Sri Lanka are all set to enter the ODI World Cup 2023, which commences from October 5, as underdogs in the tournament. Riding on the back of an impressive record in the last 15 ODIs, the Asian side can easily be called one of the favourites to win the marquee tournament being hosted by India. However, Sri Lanka’s World Cup hopes face multiple roadblocks, with multiple injuries marring the side right before the start of the tournament.
Sri Lanka put up an impressive performance in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023. The side finished the tournament as runner-ups, putting up an impressive show despite missing out the services of some of their star players.
Sri Lanka’s performance in 2019 World Cup
Sri Lanka finished sixth in the 2019 World Cup with three wins, four losses and two no results to their name. With veterans Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews playing their last World Cup, Sri Lanka did put up a rather splendid performance. The side managed to emerge victorious over England, Afghanistan and West Indies.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup 2023 schedule
Sri Lanka will start off their World Cup 2023 campaign by facing off against South Africa on October 7. They will then go on to face Pakistan in Hyderabad on October 10. The Dasun Shanaka-led side will then face Australia on October 16 in Lucknow.
Later, they face Netherlands following which they will meet England in what is likely to be a stiff challenge. Sri Lanka will then face Afghanistan after which they will faceoff against World Cup 2023 hosts India on November 2 in Bengaluru. The side will then face New Zealand and Bangladesh in the last leg of the tournament.
| Match No | Date | Day | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue | City | Time |
| 1. | 07.10.2023 | Saturday | Sri Lanka | South Africa | Arun Jaitley Stadium | Delhi | 2 PM |
| 2. | 10.10.2023 | Tuesday | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium | Hyderabad | 2 PM |
| 3. | 16.10.2023 | Monday | Sri Lanka | Australia | Ekana Sports City | Lucknow | 2 PM |
| 4. | 21.10.2023 | Saturday | Sri Lanka | Netherlands | Ekana Sports City | Lucknow | 2 PM |
| 5. | 26.10.2023 | Thursday | Sri Lanka | England | Chinnaswamy Stadium | Bengaluru | 2 PM |
| 6. | 30.10.2023 | Monday | Sri Lanka | Afghanistan | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium | Pune | 2 PM |
| 7. | 02.11.2023 | Thursday | Sri Lanka | India | Wankhede Cricket Stadium | Mumbai | 2 PM |
| 8. | 06.11.2023 | Monday | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | Arun Jaitley Stadium | Delhi | 2 PM |
| 9. | 09.11.2023 | Thursday | Sri Lanka | New Zealand | Chinnaswamy Stadium | Bengaluru | 2 PM |
SWOT Analysis
Strength
Sri Lanka’s biggest strength stems from their bowling attack. With the likes of the fiery and upcoming Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara and more, the island country will pin its hopes on its bowlers to put up impressive performances to get their side across the line.
Another big strength for Sri Lanka will be spin all-rounder Maheesh Theekshana, who has often shown his prowess with both bat and the ball.
In terms of batting, Sri Lanka will hope Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva to go all guns blazing. 20-year-old Dunith Wellalage, who turned many heads with his performances in Asia Cup 2023, will also be a player to watch out for.
Weakness
Injuries remain as Sri Lanka’s greatest weakness heading into the ODI World Cup in India. The biggest blow for the island nation would be the absence of their star player Wanindu Hasaranga. Hasaranga had left no stone unturned in proving his prowess with both bat and ball, especially in the LPL 2023.
Opportunities
Sri Lanka will pin their hopes on their familiarity with the sub-continental condition to gain the upper hand in the ODI World Cup. Going into the tournament with a fairly new and less experienced side, skipper Dasun Shanaka will eye to carry on Sri Lanka’s impressive recent ODI record. As mentioned earlier, the side will enter the marquee tournament as underdogs who can cause potential upsets against some big teams.
Threats
Apart from injuries, which is already a setback for Sri Lanka, the side will face stern challenges from other Asian teams. Sides like India and Pakistan have a more balanced and powerful squad while the island nation is entering the tournament with more youngsters than experienced players in their squad.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup 2023 squad
Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Dimuth Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madushanka.
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