Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup 2023 Squad Breakdown – Everything you need to know.
Since the retirements of the Lankan greats – Dilshan, Jayawardene, Malinga, and Sangakkara, Sri Lanka have been in an elongated transition phase.
Since the 2021 T20 World Cup, a core group has come together that is beginning to bring the island nation some hope.
How will they fare in the 2023 ODI World Cup? Let’s discuss.
Key Takeaways from Sri Lanka’s World Cup 2023 ODI Squad Announcement
The average age of Sri Lanka’s 2023 Cricket World Cup squad is 27.33. Sri Lanka have a younger squad ranging from Pathirana (20) & Wellalage (20) to Karunaratne (35).
The 15-member Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad has average ODI experience of 43 matches (637 ODIs among 15 players). Hemantha (3), Madushanka (6), and Pathirana (10) are the newer faces on the block, while Kusal Mendis (112) & Kusal Perera (109) are their most experienced players.
Sri Lanka’s’ squad composition is as follows: 5 proper batters, 4 all-rounders, and 6 proper bowling options. In total, Sri Lanka has 10 bowling options (2 off spin, 1 mystery spin, 1 left arm spin, 1 leg break, 1 left arm pace, and 4 right arm pace) in their squad if absolutely needed.
Sri Lanka have 4 left-handed batting options (Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Wellalage) and three wicketkeeping options.
Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup Team at a Glance
Player
Role
Age
Dimuth Karunaratne
Batter
35
Kusal Mendis
Batter/Wicketkeeper
28
Pathum Nissanka
Batter
25
Kusal Perera
Batter/Wicketkeeper
33
Sadeera Samawickrama
Batter/Wicketkeeper
28
Dasun Shanaka
All-Rounder/Right Arm Pace
32
Charith Asalanka
All-Rounder/Right Arm Off Spin
26
Dhananjaya de Silva
All-Rounder/Right Arm Off Spin
32
Dushan Hemantha
All-Rounder/Right Arm Leg Spin
29
Lahiru Kumara
Right Arm Pace
26
Dilshan Madushanka
Left Arm Pace
23
Matheesha Pathirana
Right Arm Pace
20
Kasun Rajitha
Right Arm Pace
30
Mahesh Theekshana
Right Arm Mystery Spin
23
Dunith Wellalage
Left Arm Spin
20
*Chamika Kauranatne
Right Arm Fast
27
*Traveling Reserve
Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup 2023 Potential XI
Pathum Nissanka
Kusal Perera
Kusal Mendis (WK)
Sadeera Samarawickrama
Charith Asakalanka
Dhananjaya de Silva
Dasun Shanaka (C)
Dunith Wellalage
Mahesh Theekshana
Matheesha Pathirana
Dilshan Madushanka
Injury News
Dusmantha Chameera (torn pectoral muscle)
Wanindu Hasaranga (thigh strain)
Mahesh Theekshana (in the squad, but returning from hamstring injury)
Madushanka (coming back from torn oblique)
Lahiru Kumara (coming back from side strain)
6 Sri Lankan Players Who Were Unlucky to Miss Out
Hasaranga, Chameera
Avishka Fernando
Pramod Madhushan, Binura Fernando
Bhanuka Rajapakse (retired early, came back, but considered more a T20I player)
Is Hasaranga playing for Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup?
Unfortunately, Sri Lanka has been ruled out of the 2023 Cricket World Cup due to injuries. In case he recovers and another member of the SL squad is injured, he may be brought in.
Which players are in Sri Lanka’s 2023 World Cup squad?
Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Mahesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage are in Sri Lanka’s 2023 World Cup squad.
Sri Lanka Cricket Schedule 2023 Cricket World Cup—The Complete Guide.
Sri Lanka has bittersweet memories from the 2011 World Cup in India. They are back here with a lesser experienced squad. Can they lift the trophy after 27 years?
Let’s dive right in by analyzing their fixtures.
Key Takeaways from Sri Lanka’s World Cup Schedule
Sri Lanka begin their opening match against South Africa on October 7, 2023 and play their last group stage match against New Zealand on November 9, 2023.
Except one, all of Netherlands’ matches are Day-Night affairs, scheduled to begin at 2 PM local time. The only day game is against Netherlands in Lucknow.
The Lankans will play two games at Lucknow, Delhi, and Bengaluru (back-to-back) and one each in Mumbai (Wankhede), Hyderabad, and Pune.
Sri Lanka Cricket Schedule 2023 Cricket World Cup: List of Sri Lanka’s World Cup Fixtures
1. Sri Lanka vs South Africa – Oct 7, 2023
SL vs SA 2023 ODI World Cup Details
Venue: Delhi
Stadium: Arun Jaitley Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
SL vs SA 2023 Preview
This game will be closer than it appears. Although South Africa is in red hot form at the moment, take SL lightly at your own peril. Especially with their spinners in Delhi.
Stadium: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium
Time: 2:00 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
SL vs Aus 2023 Preview
Lucknow. Spin. Australian middle order. Sri Lanka’s best time to put a statement in the tournament. If they win, they will be in contention for the race to the semis. If they lose, forget about it.
Sri Lanka should win a couple but there is too much uncertainty right now. Injuries, Shanaka’s form and captaincy, etc. We would love for Lanka to go to the semis, but it is looking unlikely at the moment.
Toss: West Indies won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Umpires: Aleem Dar & Langton Rusere
What Actually Happened
Winner: Sri Lanka won by 20 runs
Scores: Sri Lanka 189/3West Indies 169/8
Player of the Match:Charith Asalanka 68 (41)
Best Figures
Andre Russell (4-0-33-2)
Wanindu Hasaranga (4-0-19-2)
Most Runs
Charith Asalanka 68 (44)
Shimron Hetmyer 81* (54)
Moments of The Day: Sri Lanka Batted Better, Fielded Better, Bowled Better
Everyone from Sri Lanka contributed today. Kusal Perera 29 (21) & Pathum Nissanka 51 (41) gave them yet another bright start, but it was Asalanka’a clinical timing and Shanaka’s finishing 25* (14) that gave SL an above-par sore.
In every one of these quick summaries, we have mentioned Hasaranga. Sometimes he has contributed with the bat, sometimes with the ball, and sometimes both. Oh and the fielding is pretty good as well. Here is how he fared in the tournament, definitely a player of the tournament contender:
2/24
71 & 1/12
3/9
6 & 0/29
4 & 2/22
4 & 3/20
34 & 3/21
2/19
In a must win crunch game, 8 out of the 10 West Indian batters, most of them legends, scored in the single digits. Only the young guns, Nicholas Pooran (age 26) scored 46 (34) and Shimron Hetmyer (age 24) made sure West Indies at least competed. Hetmyer did not give up till the very end, bringing the target down to 35 in 6 balls.
Honorable Mention: Rajapaksa’s diving catch to dismiss Roston Chase & Karunatne’s running catch to dismiss Holder were outstanding
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: The Sun Sets For the Legends
Darren Sammy had repeatedly set on air that these group of West Indian players were aware that this tournament would define their legacies, especially Chris Gayle & Dwayne Bravo. However, Gayle went out for 1 & Bravo for 2 (and only one wicket at an economy rate of 10.50). Bravo is officially retiring from international duty after this World Cup and one can only assume the same with Chris Gayle.
Pollard is still staying although his captaincy status depends on the board. With Pooran, Hetmyer, & Holder (only 29 years old), the leadership group for the next generation is there but rebuilding needs to start now.
In any case, thank you Legends. We love you for all you have given this sport. They have defined the T20 format and made it their own.
T20 World Cup Points Table, Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals
No need to go elsewhere for thePoints Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Umpires: Adrian Holdstock & Rod Tucker
What Actually Happened
Winner: England won by 26 runs
Scores: England 163/4 Sri Lanka 137/10
Player of the Match:Jos Buttler 101* (67)
Best Figures
Wanindu Hasaranga (4-0-21-3)
Adil Rashid (4-0-19-2)
Most Runs
Jos Buttler 101* (67)
Wanindu Hasaranga 34 (21)
Moments of The Day:
Jos Buttler – anyone better him in T20 cricket? In a tough pitch with England batting first, England stumbled to 35/3 in 5.2 overs. Then, with Eoin Morgan, who himself scored 40 (36) with three sixes, Buttler stitched a wonderful comeback. Buttler was 35 (38) at one stage and then accelerated with 66 runs in the next 29 balls. Is there a better combination of an anchor and finisher in world cricket right now?
What can Wanindu Hasaranga not do? Already the find of the year in world cricket, today he was the only Sri Lankan to provide resistance with the bat and the ball.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Tymal Mills Goes Home
Tymal Mills…was a beautiful story at the beginning of the tournament. For five years, he was out of the side due to form and back injury. After years of hardwork & The Hundred, he made an inspiring comeback. However he had to leave after 1.3 overs today. End of a career or does he have one more comeback in him?
T20 World Cup Points Table, Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals
No need to go elsewhere for thePoints Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Moments of The Day: Hasaranga’s Hat-Trick, Miller-Rabada’s Finishing Defines Close Game
Pathum Nissanka has been one of the most promising names in Sri Lanka’s domestic circuit, boasting a first class average of 64.45 & scoring his first ton within 4 Tests. With this 72, I am glad he has transferred his talent in T20Is.
Temba Bavuma has been under scrutiny ever since his Test debut and more so, since captaincy. His 46 (46) might not look inspiring, but in this World T20, each team needs a middle order batter that can grind it out. Also his leadership with the QDK saga has been brilliant. Supporting his teammate all the way, while standing up for the movement at the same time.
Let us talk about David Miller. In 2018 & 2020, he averaged 20.16 with 113.08 SR and 25.00 average at 120.48 SR respectively. He had a good 2019, which kept him in the team but he is flourishing this year – 46.50 at 148.80. This match with the World Cup on the line, he struck two of the cleanest sixes of the World Cup, with Rabada hitting the last 4 to give South Africa a close victory. Miller’s career phases- Killer Miller, Accumulator Miller, Gone Miller….and the Old Miller is back!
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Can SL Keep Playing the Same Brand of Cricket?
SL are one of the only countries playing a positive brand of Cricket regardless of the situation. The attitude helped them win 4 in 4, but with 2 consecutive losses including a close one here might dent their confidence. Can they continue in a similar fashion?
Also Read:
T20 World Cup Points Table, Stat Alert
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Bangladesh Vs Sri Lanka Quick Review – Finally a high scoring run chase! Sri Lanka win 4 in 4 as Bangladesh need to reflect on certain bowling decisions.
Moments of The Day: Batting Performances Mark High Scoring Day
Mohammad Naim continued his good form as he anchored the innings till the 16th over. It was Mushfiqur Rahim’s spectacular 57* that ensured Bangladesh went up to 171. The way he swept Hasaranga meant he only got 3 overs to bowl. After a poor run of form, good signs for Bangladesh that Rahim is back.
Sri Lanka had a similar story. Just like Rahim, birthday boy Rajapaksa kept the required rate in check during the middle overs, but the story of day was of Charith Asalanka—not only did he anchor the innings, he stayed till the end to see Sri Lanka get home.
Decision to hold Shakib & Fizz back contributed to Bangladesh’s loss. For the first 8 overs, it was anybody’s game. Then came in Shakib Al Hasan. Nissanka & Fernando both bowled throughout the gate. Bangladesh felt comfortable. Shakib still had 2 overs left. Instead of going for the jugular, two overs of Mahmudullah and one over from Afif Hossain brought Sri Lanka back into the game due to the presence of left handers. Finally, a 22-over from Saifuddin killed the chase. By the time Fizz and Shakib returned, SL only needed 24 of 24.
Lanka won by an over to spare and Shakib, higest wicket taker of the tournament so far, ended with only 3 overs…
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Liton Das
Liton Das had a poor day altogether.
16 (16), exchanged words with Lahiru Kumara after his dismissal, and dropped catches of both Asalanka and Rajapaksa, which were crucial moments in a close game.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mohommad Naim – 126 runs (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Sri Lanka Vs Netherlands Quick Review – There is not much to say for this one, is there? Just a shambolic performance by Netherlands as the Sri Lankan attack targeted the stumps.
By this time, it has been observed that Sri Lanka can be deadly on these pitches, especially Sharjah (where they play 3 matches in the Super 12s by the way). We knew the spinners and mystery from Sri Lanka would bamboozle the world, but Lahiru Kumara’s spell caught my eye. There was a perfect bouncer in the middle of his spell that captured his accuracy.
Kusal Perera hit 6 fours in his 33 to ensure that Sri Lanka stamp their authority on this game and end Round 1 of the T20 World Cup in style.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Doeschate Retires Without a Farewell
Ryan Ten Doeschate has been such a legend for the Netherlands, the original T20 globetrotter. Average of 67.00 (87.7 SR) in ODI cricket and 41.00 (132.91 SR) in T20I. Debuted in first class cricket way back in 2003. It was sad to see him leave the cricketing stage without a game. Final match, Dutch already out, but we did not see him again. Only 0 (1) in Campher’s 4 in 4. #BrokenCricketDream
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Max O’Dowd – 123 runs (Netherlands, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 9 wickets (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Moments of The Day: Hasaranga Here, Hasaranga There, Hasaranga Everywhere
Josh Little comes to the party – Little has been one of the positives from the Irish campaign. He gave Ireland the early boost with wickets of consecutive deliveries. What is the batter is the manner of dismissals – wonderful bowleds!
The Hasaranga-Nissanka partnership – Then came the game changing partnership – 123 (82). It was well paced. Not only did they provide recovery, they accelerated towards the end to get Sri Lanka to a winning total of 171.
Karunaratne (2/27)-Chameera (1/16)-Theekshana (3/17)-Hasaranga (1/12)-Kumara (2/22) near unplayable – With Stirling-O’Brien out early, Ireland never really built momentum. Each bowler contributed nicely. Although the mystery spinners are in focus, do not discount this fast bowling unit. Watch out for this Sri Lankan team in UAE conditions.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Ireland Fail to Assert Pressure
Sri Lanka were reeling at 8/3 in 1.4 overs with star batters Perera-Chandimal-Fernando out. However, Ireland failed to appoly pressure and saved the brilliant Josh Little for later. Why not go for the jugular right at the front?
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Max O’Dowd – 123 runs (Netherlands, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 9 wickets (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Umpires: Adrian Holdstock & Paul Reiffel
What Actually Happened
Winner: Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
Scores: Namibia 96/10 – Sri Lanka 100/3
Player of the Match: Mahesh Theekshana
Best Figures
Mahesh Theekshana – 3/25
Bernard Scholtz – 1/16
Most Runs
Craig Williams – 29(36)
Bhanuka Rajapaksa – 42 (27)
Moments of The Day: All-Round Bowling Performance, Fernando-Rajapaksa Key To Lanka’s Victory
Sri Lanka’s Pacers are the real deal – With combined figures of 8-0-36-2, Chamika Karunaratne & Dushmantha Chameera set the tone. Look out for them throughout the tournament.
Mahesh Theekshana the new Ajantha Mendis? Theekshana’s action and variations resemble Mendis, Lanka’s mystery spinner from 2008-12. Taking out the openers was key in restricting Namibia to 96. With Wanindu Hasaranga, they can form a potential mystery spin partnership.
Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa save Sri Lanka from embarrassment. Trumpelmann, Scholtz, and Smit had reduced Sri Lanka to 26-3 in 5 overs. Fernando’s switch to #4 position and Rajapaksa’s positive innings made sure Sri Lanka reaches victory without further hiccups. A dropped catch helped as well.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Namibia’s international comeback celebration cut short with poor display
Playing their first World Cup since 2003 ODI World Cup and an inspiring qualification campaign, a 96/10 might not accurately reflect their true quality. Associate nations have been on fire in this tournament, and Namibia’s defeat seemed like a disappointment. Hopefully, the team and star all-rounder David Wiese comes to the party as well.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Jatinder Singh – 73* runs (Oman, 1 Match)
Zeeshan Mahmood – 4 wickets (Oman, 1 Match)
Calum MacLeod (Scotland, 1 Match) – 3 catches
Zane Green (Namibia, 1 Match), Neil Rock (Ireland, 1 Match) – 1 dismissal
Group A Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Sri Lanka
1
1
0
0
2
+ 2.607
2. Ireland
1
1
0
0
2
+ 1.755
3. Netherlands
1
0
1
0
0
– 1.755
4. Namibia
1
0
1
0
0
– 2.607
T20 World Cup 2021 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
