Published By: Akashdeep

ICC T20 WC: From Kusal Mendis to Wanindu Hasaranga, A look at Sri Lanka's Big Five

Sri Lanka’s T20 legacy relies heavily on these five players!

Sri Lanka has struggled to perform at its peak since the retirement of its legendary players. As they approach the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, they hope to find success and make a strong impact. Placed in Group D, Sri Lanka will be led by Wanindu Hasaranga. The squad includes several exciting players with international experience. In this article, we will discuss five key Sri Lankan players crucial to the T20 battle.

Angelo Mathews

A member of Sri Lanka’s 2014 T20 World Cup-winning team, Angelo Mathews stands as the most experienced player in the current squad. Over the past couple of years, he has successfully reestablished his place in the national team across all formats, delivering strong performances in both batting and bowling. Matthews is known for his consistency with the bat and his ability to provide his team with a few valuable overs of medium pace. His experience and all-round capabilities make him a crucial asset for Sri Lanka in their upcoming T20 World Cup campaign.

Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana gained significant popularity in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 due to his consistent wicket-taking ability. As a result, he is an essential bowler in the Sri Lankan team's lineup. Pathirana is particularly effective in the death overs, where his skill in bowling under pressure often leads to batters losing their wickets. His knack for picking up crucial wickets in these challenging overs makes him a vital asset for Sri Lanka. If he can secure 2-3 wickets regularly, Pathirana will significantly boost his team's chances in the T20 World Cup.

Kusal Mendis

Kusal Mendis, the vice-captain of the Sri Lankan team, is a key player in their batting lineup. Known for his consistency, Mendis is a top-order batter who also serves as the wicketkeeper. His proficiency against spin makes him a valuable asset, especially on the pitches in the Caribbean Islands and the US. Mendis' ability to perform under various conditions and his leadership role add significant strength to the Sri Lankan side as they aim for success in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Mendis getting ready to send the ball to the stratosphere! 

Charith Asalanka

Charith Asalanka has emerged as arguably Sri Lanka's premier batter in white-ball cricket over the past few years. The aggressive left-hander strengthens the middle order with his dynamic strokeplay. His off-spin bowling adds a valuable dimension, especially on the anticipated slow pitches of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Additionally, Asalanka's adept fielding often places him in crucial catching positions deep on the field. With his multifaceted contributions, he is a linchpin in Sri Lanka's quest for success in the tournament, bringing both stability and dynamism to their campaign.

Wanindu Hasaranga

The No. 2 ranked T20I bowler and No. 1 ranked T20I all-rounder, Wanindu Hasaranga, has been entrusted with leading Sri Lanka at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Recognised as one of the premier T20 cricketers in modern-day cricket, his impact transcends boundaries. Hasaranga's four overs frequently prove decisive, while his batting expertise in the middle-order adds vital depth to the Sri Lankan lineup. With his outstanding skills and natural leadership, Hasaranga is ready to lead his team to success in the upcoming tournament, aiming to elevate Sri Lanka's performance and make a memorable impression on the world stage.

Sri Lanka won the T20 World Cup in 2014. However, to repeat their victory, they must rely heavily on these five players!