If there had been any anticipation building for this
Sri Lankan team throughout their Asia Cup run, a large portion of it was
destroyed after their defeat to India. However, to get to that final, there had
been a tough victory over Pakistan, two victories over Bangladesh during the
campaign, and a triumph over Afghanistan that was partially the product of the
opposition’s mistakes. Even though they had to compete in a qualifier in
Zimbabwe (where, by the way, they went undefeated), there is enough evidence to
suggest that this is no pushover team.
But expectations at home are low. The most important
of these may be that captain Dasun Shanaka has been having one of the worst
stretches of batting luck that any Sri Lankan batsman has ever experienced (and
there are a lot of them). We won’t go over his recent scoring streak here,
mostly because it seems cruel to even mention these details. To sum up, the guy
averages 9.78, has struck out 76 times since March of this year, and the scores
are, if anything, growing lower.
Pathum Nissanka will likely partner Kusal Perera as
the tournament’s opener, but there are still significant questions about
whether his fragile physique can sustain a 50-over competition that forces
teams to play-travel for almost to six weeks. Sri Lanka has unable to provide
the concluding fireworks that strong ODI teams typically provide with the bat,
even when Shanaka contributes. And while Kusal Mendis’ innings served as the
cornerstone for a number of Sri Lanka’s batting efforts at the Asia Cup, Mendis
hasn’t historically been able to maintain his recent success.
Even the bowling attack, which has eliminated 13 of
its previous 15 opponents, has run into unexpected difficulties. After
aggravating a hamstring injury, Wanindu Hasaranga is not included in the
roster. Perhaps this bowling loss is not as significant as it may seem because
Hasaranga had not fully mastered ODI cricket. However, his batting provided
essential balance, especially in light of Shanaka’s performance. Maheesh
Theekshana too continues to be sidelined by an injury.
Sri Lanka will need to find a second new-ball bowler
to pair with Dilshan Madushanka if they decide to start Matheesha Pathirana,
which is likely to happen. In some ways, Pathirana is a suitable mascot for the
group. It is, in a sense, full of potential and young (just three of the 15
squad players are older than 32). just five of the squad members are above 30.
However, there are also huge skill and strategy gaps and no credible body of
work to which they can refer.
. If there is hope, it is hope in youth; that someone
will find a new gear. That collectively, there are enough unknowns here, that
they will surprise.