Struggling Sri Lanka aim to become giant killers

by Gokul Gopal • Last updated on

Sri Lanka are the six-time Asia Cup champions © Getty

Sri Lanka's recent journey in T20Is has been nothing short of turbulent. The six-time Asia Cup champions - and the defending champions in the T20I format of the competition - remain one of the most decorated sides in the tournament's history. However, their form since the 2024 T20 World Cup has raised plenty of concerns. That campaign ended in disappointment, with Sri Lanka bowing out in the group stage after registering just a solitary win against the Netherlands. The struggles have continued since then, with only two series wins in their last six bilateral assignments and only seven wins in 17 T20Is.

And yet, history suggests that Sri Lanka can never be written off in multi-nation tournaments. They have built a reputation as giant-killers, thriving under pressure and finding ways to overcome stronger, better-ranked opponents. While the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup didn't follow that script, their Asia Cup record is an altogether different story. They are the second-most successful side in the competition after India and have featured in more finals than any other team - a testament to their ability to peak when it matters most.

Another factor working in their favour is their excellent record in the UAE. Since 2021, Sri Lanka have played 14 T20Is in the country and won 10 of them, including the triumphant 2022 Asia Cup campaign where they overpowered Pakistan in the final. Currently, they are on a five-match unbeaten streak in the UAE. Familiarity with venues, conditions that assist their spinners, and the memory of past success could prove to be timely confidence-boosters for a side looking to rediscover its best.

Squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.

Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara

On the batting front, their fortunes rest heavily on the opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Post the 2024 World Cup, Sri Lanka's powerplay returns have been among the best in world cricket. Kusal Perera and Kamil Mishara have also been amongst the runs recently, which augurs well for the top four. The concern, however, is the middle order. Charith Asalanka has managed just one fifty in his last 10 innings, Dasun Shanaka has endured a horror run, with three ducks in his last five T20Is while Kamindu Mendis averages below 20 across his career. Unless one of these names reverses the trend, Sri Lanka risk being overly reliant on the top order and some late-order hitting.

Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga's return is a massive boost for Sri Lanka - 21 wickets at an average of 15.28 since July 2024, underlining his ability to dominate middle overs. Alongside him, Maheesh Theekshana's control and Dunith Wellalage's growth as a dependable all-rounder add variety. Collectively, Sri Lanka's spinners have picked 60 wickets in 17 games post the last World Cup, the third-best tally among full-member sides. Sri Lanka also have a solid pace department with the likes of Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera. Sri Lanka's bowlers will have to play a big role along with the top order considering the brittle middle order.

Keep an eye on: Pathum Nissanka

The opener has been Sri Lanka's most consistent batter in T20Is since the last World Cup, blending stability with aggression. His ability to bat deep into innings often dictates whether Sri Lanka can post competitive totals. With 669 runs in 17 innings, at an average of 39.35 and a strike rate of 136.80, Nissanka has been the key batter for his side and Sri Lanka will bank on him for solid starts in the Asia Cup.

Marquee Match: The clash against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on September 13. Bangladesh have enjoyed the upper hand over Sri Lanka in recent T20I encounters, adding an extra layer of motivation for the 2022 champions. In a group that also features Afghanistan, this game could prove decisive in the race for Super Four qualification and Sri Lanka would be keen to see this as the perfect opportunity to make a statement at the very start of their campaign.

Group stage schedule

September 13: vs Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi

September 15: vs Hong Kong, Dubai

September 18: vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi

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