In the lead-up to the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka’s cricketing journey is set to unfold with a blend of anticipation and expectation. With a squad that exudes a captivating blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, Sri Lanka stands poised to make their mark on the international stage once again. Led by the astute captaincy of Dasun Shanaka, the team has carefully woven together a lineup that embodies the experience, youthful vigor, and cricketing prowess. As the cricketing world turns its gaze towards this cricketing extravaganza, all eyes are fixated on Sri Lanka’s multifaceted squad, eager to witness their journey of resurgence and revival.
This article ventures into the heart of Sri Lanka’s preparations, embarking on finding the Best Playing XI for Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup 2023. From the seasoned players who have carried the legacy forward to the fresh faces eager to script their own tales of triumph, Sri Lanka’s cricketing tapestry awaits its new chapter with bated breath.
Sri Lanka Squad for the Asia Cup 2023
| Player | Role |
| Dasun Shanaka (captain) | Right Hand Batter/ Right Arm Fast Bowler |
| Pathum Nissanka | Right Hand Batter |
| Dimuth Karunaratne | Left Hand Batter |
| Kusal Janith Perera | Left Hand Batter |
| Kusal Mendis (vice captain) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Charith Asalanka | Left Hand Batter/ Right Arm Off Spin Bowler |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | Right Hand Batter/ Right Arm Off Spin Bowler |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Right Arm Off Spin Bowler |
| Dunith Wellalage | Slow Left Arm Bowler |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Right Arm Fast Bowler |
| Kasun Rajitha | Right Arm Fast Bowler |
| Dushan Hemantha | Right Hand Batter/ Right Arm Leg Spin Bowler |
| Binura Fernando | Left Arm Fast Bowler |
| Pramod Madushan | Right Arm Fast Bowler |
Sri Lanka’s Best Playing XI for the Asia Cup 2023
Wicketkeeper
Taking the gloves and anchoring the middle order is Kusal Mendis, who also serves as the vice-captain of the team. His dependable glovework and ability to stabilize the innings add a crucial dimension to the team’s strategy. As a seasoned campaigner, Mendis brings not only experience but also leadership to the squad, making him an invaluable asset in this vital role.
Openers
At the forefront of Sri Lanka’s batting artillery, the opening partnership of Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne shines as a beacon of promise. This dynamic duo encapsulates a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned technique that promises to set the stage ablaze at the Asia Cup 2023. Pathum Nissanka, with his innate flair for strokeplay, brings an element of creativity and innovation to the opening slot. His ability to craft elegant shots and find gaps in the field showcases a cricketing acumen beyond his years.
On the other hand, Dimuth Karunaratne’s presence lends a sense of solidity and stability to the opening combination. His ability to hold the fort, weather challenging conditions, and anchor the innings provides a crucial backbone for Sri Lanka’s batting order. Karunaratne’s wealth of experience, both as a player and as a leader, brings a calming influence to the partnership, allowing Nissanka to flourish with confidence.
Middle Order
At the heart of this middle-order symphony, Charith Asalanka’s dynamic batting style adds a touch of audacity and innovation. His ability to accelerate the run rate and play unconventional shots injects a sense of unpredictability that can keep the opposition on their toes. Paired alongside him is the ever-reliable Dhananjaya de Silva, whose all-round abilities contribute significantly to the team’s balance. His knack for both batting and bowling makes him a valuable asset in various match situations.
The resurgence of Kusal Perera adds a compelling narrative to Sri Lanka’s middle-order dynamics. Making a comeback after two years, Perera’s experience and aggressive strokeplay will be crucial in providing stability to an injury-plagued middle order. His return not only bolsters the batting lineup but also infuses a sense of reassurance as the team navigates through the tournament.
Bowlers
The spin department is anchored by the right-arm off-spin of Maheesh Theekshana, whose crafty variations and control offer a tactical spin arsenal. Complimenting him is the young and promising pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who has taken the cricketing world by storm for his ‘Malinga-like’ action and accuracy. The pace artillery, led by the seasoned Kasun Rajitha, brings its own brand of menace to the fore. Rajitha’s ability to generate swing and maintain disciplined lines adds a layer of sophistication to the attack. His experience is invaluable, as he can mentor the younger pacers and play the role of the anchor.
Adding a dose of unpredictability is the left-arm pace of Binura Fernando, whose deliveries can create uncomfortable angles for the batsmen. His variation in pace and natural angle make him a genuine wicket-taking option. Beyond this formidable quartet, the Sri Lankan skipper, Dasun Shanaka, adds an intriguing dimension with his medium pace. Moreover, Shanaka can also rely on the dual capabilities of Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva. Both are adept at extracting purchase from the pitch with their spin bowling, making them valuable wicket-taking resources in the middle overs.
This is what Sri Lanka’s Best Playing XI for the Asia Cup 2023 would look like:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper) (vice captain)
- Kusal Perera
- Charith Asalanka
- Dhananjay de Silva
- Dasun Shanaka (captain)
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Kasun Rajitha
- Binura Fernando
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