Sri Lanka saw both sides of the spectrum during its recent 13-match winning streak in ODIs. It dismissed the opposition in 14 consecutive matches but its batting collapses were a persistent refrain during this period.
With Wanindu Hasaranga’s injury ruling him out of the World Cup, Sri Lanka will miss its star all-rounder, whose leg-spin was pivotal to the team defending a string of low scores during its unbeaten run in the World Cup Qualifiers. Whether Maheesh Theekshana’s mystery spin and Dunith Wellalage’s recent exploits are enough to take Sri Lanka over the line will depend on the batters, who will be under the scanner on Indian pitches that are likely to be rank turners or flatbeds.
Be it Kusal Perera or Kusal Mendis’ flamboyance at the top or Sadeera Samarickwarama’s composure in the middle, Sri Lanka has the personnel to counter different conditions. Perera, who returned to the ODI fold after more than two years during the Asia Cup, is yet to find consistency but has shown an attacking intent in the first PowerPlay.
