2015 ICC World Cup: Probable playing XIs of top 8 teams

#2 Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Cricket Team

The runners-up in the 2011 World Cup, Sri Lanka have a few headaches to resolve before they take the field in Australia and New Zealand. The first of those headaches start right at the top. With Tillakaratne Dilshan certain to open, Sri Lanka will have to hope that Upul Tharanga finds form sooner or later for him to partner the 37-year-old.

The middle-order looks settled with the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Angelo Matthews occupying the next three slots. The lower middle-order for the Lankans has been a cause of worry. In the limited opportunities that he has got, Lahiru Thirimanne has looked a compact batsman who can keep the scorecard ticking along.

Thisara Perera looks almost sure to bat at seven. Sachitra Senanayake, who is currently barred from bowling due to a suspect action, will, in all probability, come into the XI if cleared by then. If not, then, it does look like a two-way fight between Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis. Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara and Dhammika Prasad, meanwhile, look the most likely to form a three-man pace attack.

Likely XI

Player	Role
Upul Tharanga	Opener
Tillakaratne Dilshan	Opener
Kumar Sangakkara	Middle-order/ Wicket-keeper
Mahela Jayawardene	Middle-order
Angelo Mathews (C)	Middle-order
Lahiru Thirimanne	Middle-order
Thisara Perera	All-rounder
Rangana Herath	Spinner
Nuwan Kulasekara	Fast Bowler
Lasith Malinga	Fast Bowler
Dhammika Prasad	Fast Bowler

Reserves

Kusal Perera: The hard-hitting Kusal Perera hasn't shown the kind of consistency that was desired of him and hence finds himself on the bench. However, if the Lankans feel that more firepower is needed along with Dilshan at the top, then he could come in as that option.

Ajantha Mendis: The mystery spinner, who played with success in the 2011 World Cup but missed out on the final, will be hoping he can make the most of any opportunity he gets.

Dinesh Chandimal: Another option for the Lankans in the middle order is Dinesh Chandimal. The right-hander has got a solid technique, and can take up the wicket-keeping duties if needed by the Lankans.

Lahiru Gamage: The fast bowler hasn't received many opportunities but could be picked as a back-up for the other three quicks.