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After all the eight-week hullaballoo in the Indian Premier League, it’s now time for the players to switch over from their franchise colours to the national team jerseys. The ICC Champions Trophy, which is more like a mini world cup is returning after 3 years, when all the big international teams will take each other on for a shot at glory. This year’s edition will be held in England and the tournament opener sees India take on South Africa on the sixth.
Sri Lanka is a team that has oft come so close to glory over the years. They have been pretty consistent with their performances in all the tournaments but somehow they haven’t been able to get over the finishing line. This time around, they will hope that lady luck is by their side.
They won this coveted trophy back in 2002, when they were declared the joint winners along with India. A side led by Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka have the firepower to go all the way. But there is still some concern over their bowling department, which looked quite brittle when they failed to defend 333 against India in the warm-up tie. The return of Lasith Malinga, however, might add some more gas to their tank.
Strengths:
Sri Lanka is a balanced side with quite a few match winners in their squad. Right at the top they have T Dilshan and Kusal Perera opening the batting. Perera looks a very bright prospect, and has even been compared to the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya. Dilshan hasn’t been in very good nick of late, but if he finds his form, he can prove to be a nightmare for the opposition.
Their middle order is packed with some world class players like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumara Sangakkara, who are aptly fit for the 50-over format. The fact that makes them a formidable outfit is the presence of some very good all-rounders down the order. Dinesh Chandimal, who is the vice-captain, has been sensational for them, and so have Thishara Perera and Jeevan Mendis. Bowlers like Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara are assets to any side in the world.
Weaknesses:
They have a very few weaknesses going into the tournament. However, their fringe players lack significant amount of experience, which in turn, might hurt them in the crucial games, if they manage to make it to the later stages of the tournament.
Dealing with some world class fast bowlers on the seam-friendly wickets in England might pose a big challenge for their relatively inexperienced batsmen of the likes of Jeevan Mendis, Kusal Perera and Lahiru Thirimane.
But the premier reason why they might suffer is their bowling. An attack consisting mostly of slow medium-pacers barring Lasith Malinga, could prove to be a bit ineffective in English conditions. They also lack some quality spinners with Rangana Herath being their lead spinner in the tournament. Sachitra Senanayeke performed well in the IPL, but looks to be a doubtful starter in the different conditions.
Players to watch:
Mahela Jayawardene: The former Sri Lankan captain is their most experienced batsman along with Kumara Sangakkara. He, with his majestic flair and flourish, might be in some for some big runs on the pitches where the ball comes onto the bat very well. Apart from that, his experience of leading the side in some big tournaments before might come in handy for Angelo Mathews and co.
Lasith Malinga: This Sri Lankan ‘slinger’ is arguably the best death overs bowler in the world today. He is the only bowler who can click 140kmph more often than any other bowler in their side and his ability to bowl six different deliveries in an over might prove to be huge problem for the opposition batsmen. A bowler who can bowl some fast toe-crushers at will, is nothing but an asset to the side. He is surely the captain’s delight.
Prediction:
Considering their habit of excelling in the big tournaments, they certainly look good for at least the semis, if they make it out of their group. However, they will be desperate to end their championship drought despite getting close to it on numerous occasions. If they manage to sort out their bowling issues – with their batting looking in good shape – they are undoubtedly one of the top contenders to lift the trophy this time. They face some tough teams like Australia, England and New Zealand in their group, and they have to play out of their skins to go through the league stage.
Squad:
Angelo Mathews (Capt), Dinesh Chandimal (vice-capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera (wk), Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekara, Shaminda Eranga, Sachithra Senanayake and Chanaka Welagedara.
Fixtures:
1) New Zealand v Sri Lanka: 4th Match- Sophia Gardens, Cardiff Sunday June 9th
2) England v Sri Lanka: 8th Match- Kennington Oval, London Thursday June 13
3) Australia v Sri Lanka: 12th Match, Kennington Oval, London Monday June 17
