Predicted Sri Lankan XI for the ICC World Twenty20 2016

Defending championsThe World Twenty20 is all set to be held in India in 2016. With all the teams giving it their best shot at the coveted trophy, the sub-continental teams will be trying to work familiar conditions to their advantage.The Sri Lankan team is no different and they will be raring to go and show everybody what their strength is. Despite the departure of several key, experienced players, the subcontinental heavy-weights are still the reigning champions and with one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, they will be looking to retain their title.So let us take a look at the predicted Sri Lankan XI for the tournament.

#1 Kusal Perera (Wicket-keeper)

Sri Lanka has always been a batting powerhouse and Kusal Perera at the top of the order seems to have taken over the mantle from the illustrious Kumar Sangakkara. At the top of the order, it is important to provide a good start to the team and this southpaw has all the shorts in the book and the right temperament to fulfil his team’s wishes.

Blessed with incredible power and timing, he is often compared to Sanath Jayasuriya himself. Despite only playing 22 T20Is, he has already scored five fifties and with a strike rate of over 130, he has the fire power to give the Lankans the perfect start.

#2 Tillakaratne Dilshan

The inventor of the famous ‘Dilscoop’, Tillakaratne Dilshan is one of the few who has changed the way limited overs cricket is played. As the senior-most member of the team, it is important for him to provide quick starts and inspire the younger members.

With plenty of experience playing in the IPL, his contribution to the team will be extremely valuable and he would want to go back with good memories from what might be his last tour to India.

#3 Shehan Jayasuriya

Shehan Jayasuriya is someone who has been groomed by Sri Lankan Cricket and holds plenty of promise for the future. Having played in the Sri Lankan Premier League and the Bangladesh Premier League, this left-hander is well acquainted with the T20 format.

Though relatively new to the international scene, he has already shown signs of talent with a 40 against Pakistan and has 2 wickets from 3 matches with his off breaks.

#4 Dinesh Chandimal

At 26, Chandimal has carved a niche for himself and is one of the stars to watch out for in the tournament. At No.4, he will be the key to the team’s fortunes and he will be required to take up the responsibility of anchoring the innings.

With excellent technique and temperament, he is also a live wire on the field and can take up the role of a wicket-keeper if required. With plenty of experience in the international arena, he will play a major role in Sri Lanka’s campaign.

#5 Angelo Mathews

Right from the time of his debut for Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews has grown by leaps and bounds to become Sri Lanka’s mainstay and a valuable class all-rounder. In limited overs cricket, his astute captaincy and his brilliant all-round abilities make him the man to watch out for.

He will be looking to play the role of a finisher and his contribution will be important for Sri Lanka to post mammoth scores. With a forgettable previous tour to India, he will be desperate to prove a point.

#6 Milinda Siriwardena

Milinda Siriwardena is one of Sri Lanka’s newest finds and he has grabbed his opportunities and made them count. With consistent performances in the domestic circuit, he finally made the cut to the national team and has impressed everyone right from his first match.

He is a left-handed batsman and an effective left arm spinner and can provide crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. With favourable conditions, it will be interesting to see how he performs in India.

#7 Thisara Perera

When Perera first broke into the international scene, his ability to clear the boundary at will and his tactical seam bowling came in for much praise. Having established himself as a key member of the team, his contribution with the bat and the ball in the lower middle order will be extremely crucial.

His power hitting in the death overs and experience playing in the IPL will come in handy as Sri Lanka looks to defend its crown in India.

#8 Sachithra Senanayake

With an amazing first-class career of almost 300 wickets, Sachitra Senanayake has all the experience that one would need in international cricket. This off-spinner is known to possess one of the deadly doosras in domestic cricket and has the ability to pick up wickets at important junctures.

Having overcome controversies surrounding his bowling action, he is currently at no.3 in the ICC T20 Bowler’s ranking and he would want to show everyone what he is truly capable off.

#9 Nuwan Kulasekara

Nuwan Kulasekara might not look like an average fast-bowler at first sight, but he sure knows how to be one. His ability to swing the ball will be extremely useful in day-night matches and can trouble the batsmen in the initial overs.

He can bat in the lower order and will come in handy during emergency situations. Currently, one of Sri Lanka’s best T20 bowlers, a lot will depend upon how he plays in the middle.

#10 Dushmantha Chameera

At 23, this lanky pace bowler is definitely a find for the future. Dushmanthan Chameera has the ability to consistently generate pace over 140 kph and rattle the batsmen with his slippery pace.

Touted as the most exciting player in Sri Lanka since Lasith Malinga, he will be looking forward to make his tour fruitful. His place in the team will be to dismantle the opposition in the initial overs and pick up a few quick wickets.

#11 Lasith Malinga (Captain)

What is a T20 bowling attack without the master himself? Having set a mark for himself at the international limited overs arena, Lasith Malinga will be looking forward to set the field rolling with his slingers and toe-crushing yorkers.

At number 6 in the ICC T20 bowler rankings, he still has the venom to intimidate batsmen and dismiss them. His role will be to provide bursting spells in the initial overs and bundle them out in the death overs.