Having led a remarkable and successful campaign in 1996 and unsuccessful outings in 2007 and 2011, Sri Lanka would like to seal their fourth final berth and repeat the 1996 feat.
By Rishab Darbari
The Sri Lankan cricket team has experienced many highs over the years and this February they will look to add to these as they face the might of the world on their trip Down Under. As the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 approaches, we take a look at what the Lions bring to the table.
Strengths:
Experience at top: With Tillakaratne Dilshan at the head of the batting order, there will be no shortage of fireworks from the Sri Lankan opener as the experienced opener will look to get his 21st ODI century against New Zealand on the 14th of February.
There would be no reprieve for the opposition as following Dilshan is the classy duo of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene – both would be looking to end their respective careers on a World Cup high. Such stability in the batting order gives the likes of Thisara Perrera and Dilshan the license to up the ante when it matters.
Utility: Cricket teams these days are often on the lookout for gamechanging all-rounders, and Sri Lanka have always had their share, with the likes of Sanath Jayasurya filling in both roles for more than a decade. Once again the Lions have found one of these handy all-rounders in Angelo Mathews who has also taken on the responsibility of leading the Lions’ charge. With a batting average in excess of 40 and over 90 wickets in ODIs, Mathews can do this World Cup for Sri Lanka what Yuvraj Singh did for India in 2011. Next in line is Perrera, who can change the face and fortune of any game.
Weaknesses:
Poor travellers: Sri Lanka, much like its subcontinent neighbours India, have shown that they struggle to put together results on their travels, having only taken one of their last three ODI series and that in a close fought encounter against the English.
In recent times, the Asian Giants have suffered at the hands of a highly motivated New Zealand outfit who are looking to assert their dominance in their own backyard as the World Cup approaches.
Trump card:
Lasith Malinga is back, and he is ready to take on the world with his unusual action, his irrevocably brilliant yorkers and that befuddling change of pace. This icon of modern Sri Lankan cricket has bagged a total of 271 wickets in ODIs and will bring some flavour to an otherwise regular bowling attack. He will be looking to make his mark and get back to his wicket taking best in his quest to take Sri Lanka to the pinnacle of World Cricket.
