As five-time champions, Sri Lanka know exactly what is required to win the Asia Cup. Their last triumph came in 2014 when the likes of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene were playing but with those two stars retired, Sri Lanka haven’t been the same force as they once were.
Angelo Mathews, captain for this week’s event, Suranga Lakmal and Lasith Malinga are the sole survivors from the event and currently make up part of a Sri Lankan team that are still going through a transition period.
Ahead of the Asia Cup in the UAE, we look more closely at the former champions and analyse their chances in the Emirates.
COACH– CHANDIKA HATHURUSINGHA
In charge of Sri Lanka for less than a year, things hasn’t gone exactly to plan for the former Bangladesh coach. Despite winning the tri-series in Bangladesh, the 3-2 ODI series defeat to South Africa shows how big of a task lies ahead of him.
Chandika Hathurusingha (right) has been in charge since November 2017
CAPTAIN – ANGELO MATHEWS
It’s vital that the 31-year-old uses all his experience and lead from the front. The all-rounder has been consistent over the years and fared strongly with the bat in the recent South Africa series while more often than not, has taken his team home when under pressure. More of the same will be needed in the UAE.
Angelo Mathews will lead Sri Lanka out
STAR MAN – AKILA DANANJAYA
Dananjaya has been a key player for Sri Lanka
Will miss the first two games with his wife expected to give birth but when he arrives, the off-spinner has plenty up his sleeve to make an instant impact with the ball – just like how he did against South Africa.
ONE TO WATCH: LASITH MALINGA
Recalled for first time since September 2017, all eyes will be on how the 35-year-old pacer fares. There’s no doubting his qualities but will have a point to prove that he still has what it takes to play at the top level.
STRENGTHS – BOWLING TALENT
The Islanders do not have any star batsmen in their ranks but have individuals who can do the damage with the ball. That includes Malinga whose record itself put him into that bracket.
WEAKNESSES – SCORING THE RUNS
If run-scoring wasn’t hard enough already, opener Dhanushka Gunathilaka became the latest casualty to be ruled out, joining Dinesh Chandimal on the injured list. A lot of responsibility will fall on the rest of the batsmen to deliver when it matters.
PREDICTION: SUPER FOUR STAGE
Sri Lanka are still going through a transition period but although they are not as prolific as they once were, have the quality to advance to the Super Four. Anything more will be a bonus.
Sri Lanka team departs for #AsiaCup UAE 2018! #SriLanka #SLC pic.twitter.com/70TDDkUZrA
— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) September 12, 2018
FULL SQUAD: Angelo Mathews (Captain), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella, Shehan Jayasuriya, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dhanajaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera and Lasith Malinga
SCHEDULE:
GROUP STAGE:
Saturday, September 15: Sri Lanka v Bangladesh, 15:30, Dubai
Monday, September 17: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, 15:30, Abu Dhabi
