The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 tournament will be held in India from October 5 to November 19.

This blog provides all the information you need about Sri Lanka’s eminent cricket team and their performance prospects for the anticipated tournament.

Discover insights about everything, including experienced players to watch out for, young talents leading teams, bowling options, and potential playing XI, among others! 

With an understanding of what Sri Lanka has to offer with its emerging talent pool and strategies implemented by captain Dasun Shanaka, get acquainted with all the facts related to WC2023 here.

Ready for a deep dive into world-class cricketing anticipation? Let’s go!

Content Highlights

• Sri Lanka’s World Cup 2023 squad is a mix of experienced players and young talents, including Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Mahesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dunith Wellalage.
• The team has six front-line bowlers with four pacers & two in the spin department.
• The inexperienced pace attack may prove to be challenging for Sri Lanka. There are also rehabilitation processes taking place for other injured personnel as well.
• Captained by Dasun Shanaka, the team looks to balance veterans like Dimuth Karunaratne and youthful aggression from young players such as Matheesha Pathirana and Dunith Wellalage among others at WC2023.

Related Articles:

• 2023 ICC World Cup South Africa Team Analysis

• 2023 ICC World Cup Pakistan Team Analysis

• 2023 ICC World Cup England Team Analysis

• 2023 ICC World Cup New Zealand Team Analysis

• 2023 ICC World Cup Netherlands Team Analysis

ICC World Cup 2023 Sri Lanka Team Analysis

Sri Lankan cricket is going through a period of transition, with the recently announced 15-member squad for the 2023 World Cup reflecting that.

The team is led by Dasun Shanaka and includes three vastly experienced players like Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera as well as four talented youngsters—Matheesha Pathirana, Dunith Wellalage, Dilshan Madushanka, and Dushan Hemantha.

Most notably missing from the Sri Lankan squad are some big names like the star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera.

Questions have been raised about Dasun Shanaka’s captaincy after Sri Lanka’s poor performance during the Asia Cup 2023 finals but his reputation as an attacking fielder indicates how much he can contribute when it comes to fielding performances which surely boost their prospects ahead of the tournament beginning next year.

The Squad Composition

Sri Lanka’s 2023 Cricket World Cup Squad features a blend of experienced players and young talents.

Experienced Players

The World Cup 2023 squad of Sri Lanka contains several experienced players who have contributed significantly to the team’s successes. Kusal Perera, a veteran and prolific batsman of the Sri Lankan team for many years, is known to be an aggressive stroke-maker with a knack for generating match-winning performances when needed.

Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka are also part of this roster, both being crucial in anchoring innings together or providing stability during batting collapses respectively. 

Dhananjaya de Silva still remains one of those iconic figures who can come up clutch when required – even now at 32 years old age! These players surely provide valuable experience that will contribute greatly towards their teams’ campaign in the upcoming tournament.

Additionally, they will prove invaluable mentors in guiding the next generation of cricketers coming out from beneath them – preparing them for future successes in the cricketing world!

Young Talents

Sri Lanka’s World Cup 2023 squad is full of fresh, new faces that are sure to leave an impact on their performance in the tournament. There are many young and talented players like Dushan Hemantha, Dilshan Madushanka, Dunith Wellalage, and Matheesha Pathirana who have already shown immense promise of big things to come.

These four cricketers bring an element of aggression with their batting style along with impressive striking ability which could be pivotal against some top-class bowling attacks on the world stage.

They also have great fielding abilities which make them a complete package as far as all-rounders go. Furthermore, this youth pack brings a certain degree of unpredictability to the Sri Lankan cricket team due to its varied playing style that could help surprise opposition teams in different conditions across India in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Bowling Options

Sri Lanka has an experienced group of bowlers, as well as some promising young talents looking to make a name for themselves in the World Cup.

Experienced Bowlin Attack

Sri Lanka’s World Cup 2023 squad features some talented, experienced bowlers who have been crucial for the team in recent times. With three off-spinners and a mystery left-arm orthodox spinner, it is clear Sri Lanka is looking to capitalize on spin bowling conditions around the world.

The team has Lasith Malinga leading their pace attack with prolific skills under his belt, while Lahiru Kumara and Nuwan Pradeep provide flank support along with experienced campaigner Suranga Lakmal.

These players have provided valuable contributions at key moments of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023, their vast experience allowing them to navigate difficult game situations by pressurizing opponents through tight bowling attack strategies.

In addition to this, they also contribute significantly during fielding drills and decision-making processes across various games as well as giving important tactical advice – something which can never be discounted in such grueling contests like a tournament like cricket’s biggest showpiece event.

Talented Fast Bowlers

Sri Lanka’s squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has a diverse and potentially match-winning variety of talented fast bowlers. This is an area where Sri Lanka will be looking to build depth, even amongst experienced bowlers, in order to challenge for the trophy.

Prominent fast bowlers include Lahiru Kumara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Kasun Rajitha.

Experienced players like Dasun Shanaka and Dimuth Karunaratne have also been included in the squad; 

Youngster Matheesha Pathirana is also expected to make solid contributions as a fast bowler against top teams for Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023.

Versatile Spin Options

Sri Lanka Cricket Team’s bowling options for World Cup 2023 consist of 10 bowling options, three of them being off-spinners and one left-arm orthodox. This wide variation in types can be used to confuse the batsmen and add an element of surprise to their approach.

For example, left-arm orthodox spin is often difficult to predict as it varies from conventionally bowled spin deliveries; leg-spinners too bring a certain degree of unpredictability with their googlies or flippers.

This provides Sri Lanka with an opportunity to vary the pace, flight, and bounce which makes managing against such variations quite tricky for batters thus providing this team a cutting edge over others.

Challenges And Injuries

Source: ICC

Navigating through the long list of injuries and rehabilitating key players for the World Cup 2023 will be a tough task for Sri Lanka. Be sure to check out our in-depth analysis of the squad composition and opportunities available due to home-like conditions!

Read also: 5 Key Players to Miss the ICC World Cup 2023.

Inexperienced Pace Attack

Sri Lanka’s squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is in transition, and their pace attack is particularly impacted. Hasaranga, currently containing an injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2023, acts as a key bowler for Sri Lanka but he could not make it to the final squad.

Thus, coaches are looking into bilateral options that will ensure Hasaranga’s services should important games arise in the tournament.

The strain of these injuries reflects poorly on team selection across all formats and has thrust inexperienced bowlers such as Dilshan Madushanka and Dunith Wellalage into the bowling lineup; confidence issues have been seen arising in more challenging situations against stronger batting lineups with fewer experienced players available.

Without reinforcement or rehabilitation processes for injured personnel returning to peak form beforehand, Sri Lanka will likely be held back when it comes to their performance at this highly competitive tournament amidst tight scheduling demands on teams internationally.

This lack of experience & depth could certainly prove costly without them being unable to tap into reserve talent adequately prior to those critical encounters that come up during the tournament!

Players To Watch In This 2023 ICC World Cup

Sri Lanka’s talented pool of players will be a deciding factor in their chances in the World Cup 2023 – from experienced captain Dasun Shanaka to young all-rounders and emerging talents, read on to find out more.

01. Dasun Shanaka

• Allrounder
• 1204 runs, 27 wickets in 67 matches
• Batting average: 22.29
• Bowling average: 34.11

Dasun Shanaka is a powerful hitter and a handy bowler. He is a key player in the Sri Lankan team and will be expected to lead from the front in the 2023 World Cup. Shanaka has a batting average of 22.29 and a bowling average of 34.11 in 67 matches. He is a versatile player who can bat at any position in the order and bowl medium pace. Shanaka is also a good captain and will look to lead Sri Lanka to success in the 2023 World Cup.

02. Dhananjaya De Silva

• Allrounder
• 1725 runs, 44 wickets in 82 matches
• Batting average: 26.53
• Bowling average: 39.38

Dhananjaya de Silva is another key allrounder in the Sri Lankan team. He is a good batsman and a skillful bowler. De Silva has a batting average of 26.53 and a bowling average of 39.38 in 82 matches. He is a versatile player who can bat at any position in the order and bowl off-spin. De Silva is also a good fielder and will be looking to play a major role in the team’s success in the 2023 World Cup.

03. Charith Asalanka

• Batting allrounder
• 1272 runs, 5 wickets in 41 matches
• Batting average: 41.03
• Bowling average: 20.2

Charith Asalanka is a promising young allrounder. He is a good batsman and a useful bowler. Asalanka has a batting average of 41.03 and a bowling average of 20.2 in 41 matches. He is a versatile player who can bat at any position in the order and bowl off-spin. Asalanka is also a good fielder and will be looking to continue his development in the 2023 World Cup and become a key player for the Sri Lankan team.

04. Dilshan Madushanka

• Bowler
• 10 wickets in 6 matches
• Bowling average: 22.1
• Economy rate: 5.02

Dilshan Madushanka is a young fast bowler who has shown a lot of promise in recent months. He has 10 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 22.1 and an economy rate of 5.02. Madushanka is a tall and athletic bowler who can generate good pace. He will be expected to play a more prominent role in the Sri Lankan bowling attack in the 2023 World Cup.

05. Lahiru Kumara

• Bowler
• 51 wickets in 26 matches
• Bowling average: 5.66
• Economy rate: 44.73

Lahiru Kumara is a fast bowler who is known for his pace and aggression. He has 51 wickets in 26 matches at an average of 5.66 and an economy rate of 44.73. Kumara is a dangerous bowler who can pick up wickets with the new ball and in the middle overs. He will be expected to be one of the leading wicket-takers for the Sri Lankan team in the 2023 World Cup.

Opportunities For Sri Lanka In World Cup 2023

Sri Lanka has the opportunity to capitalize on home-like conditions, bring out the best from their young players, and use spin bowler variations effectively in order to be successful in the World Cup 2023.

Home-Like Conditions

The advantage of playing in home-like conditions is immense for the Sri Lanka cricket team in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, given that they are familiar with the pitches, and climate and have the enthusiastic crowd support to back them.

Home-like conditions provide a sense of comfort to the players which has been seen time and again when teams perform better in familiar environments. The familiarity allows for more nuanced planning strategies as well since team members can tailor their approach to different opponents depending on how much they know about local grounds.

Young Players Stepping Up

Young players such as Pathum Nissanka, Mahesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dunith Wellalage are some of the key names in Sri Lanka’s middle order for the World Cup 2023. These relatively younger players will get a chance to showcase their talent on an international stage and take the team forward with their performances.

These young talents have immense potential to lead Sri Lanka towards victory if used properly. While most teams in this competition would benefit from experienced bowlers or batsmen who can provide stability at important junctures in the match- these rising stars could prove to be game changers by providing energy and enthusiasm that is rarely seen on world stages.

With mentors like Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, and the skipper Dasun Sanaka grooming them into fine cricketers, these youngsters may indeed become household names very soon!

Spin Bowler Variations

Spin bowling is a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket and holds the key to success for Sri Lanka at the ICC World Cup 2023. Spinners have an even greater role to play having had immense success in spin-friendly conditions such as those found in Sri Lanka during this tournament cycle.

Spin bowlers with their variations can provide great control, turn, flight, and change of pace through different delivery styles like leg-spin, off-spin, doosra, and googly among others.

These deliveries are difficult to read for batsmen who play on the front foot thus creating uncertainty when played against quality spin bowlers.

Threats For Sri Lanka In World Cup 2023

Sri Lanka may face challenging competition from other teams in the tournament as well as missing key players due to injuries, making the success of their World Cup campaign uncertain.

Read on to find out more!

Missing Key Players

Sri Lanka’s injury woes have affected the team’s squad selection for the ICC World Cup 2023, notably seen by the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga due to an injury. As a result, Sri Lanka has lost their experienced all-rounder who was expected to play a big role in the tournament.

While this is a setback to their chances in the competition, it provides an opportunity for young players like Dilshan Madushanka and Dunith Wellalage to make their mark on world cricket and prove they are ready for international competition.

In addition, This means that it will be even more important for other members of the squad such as Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva to step up with both bat and ball to fill any gaps caused by these injuries—highlighting the importance of depth in squad selection.

Tough Competition From Other Teams

Sri Lanka’s cricket team is sure to face tough competition from other teams in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Teams like India, Australia, Pakistan, and England are among the favorites for the tournament due to their strong batting and bowling line-ups.

India has a variety of bowlers including veteran Jasprit Bumrah as well as star batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli who can single-handedly win matches for his side. 

Australia’s numerous world-class allrounders such as Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis add immense depth to their already powerful lineup with Steve Smith leading from the baton roll.

England too poses a threat through their shimmering top-order batting lineup containing power hitters Jonny Bairstow, and Jason Roy backed by captain Jos Buttler making them genuine title contenders without any doubt.