Wanindu Hasaranga’s males might be exhausting to cease on the T20 World Cup if they begin effectively and acquire momentum.
Ten years on from their ICC T20 World Cup profitable marketing campaign led by an outgoing golden era, Sri Lanka’s subsequent crop of cricketers discover themselves with an opportunity to write down their names in historical past by bringing the nation one other trophy.
It was in 2014 that Sri Lankan legends Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga turned the tables on favourites India to win the T20 World Cup last in Bangladesh.
Now, led by prolific all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka will not be outright favourites, however former participant Farveez Maharoof believes their current kind can’t be ignored going into the present T20 World Cup within the West Indies and United States.
“Sri Lanka have finished marvellously to beat Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe [in recent series],” Maharoof instructed Al Jazeera, earlier than admitting that the nation’s poor finishes within the final T20 World Cups “will likely be taking part in on the gamers’ minds”.
The island nation was as soon as thought-about a powerhouse within the event’s historical past – and rightly so. They certified for the ultimate in 2009, semifinals in 2010 and residential last in 2012, earlier than lifting the trophy in 2014.
Nevertheless, since that historic six-wicket win over India in April 2014, the Lankan Lions have failed to succeed in the knockout levels of the event.
‘Arduous to cease them’
Hasaranga’s aspect will purpose to resurrect themselves when their event marketing campaign will get beneath manner towards South Africa on Monday in New York and Maharoof backs them to do effectively regardless of being drawn in a troublesome group.
Sri Lanka’s Group D – or so-called group of demise – additionally contains South Africa, Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Nepal.
“Hasaranga has led from the entrance in strain conditions, which is a trademark of a great chief,” Maharoof, who additionally performed the position of an all-rounder, mentioned of the present captain.
“I see Hasaranga as a optimistic and aggressive group man, and that’s precisely what you need in a T20 captain.”
The 26-year-old skipper took the reins of the aspect from Dasun Shanaka in December and has led Sri Lanka to 5 wins in seven matches. He’ll profit from the presence of richly skilled all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who was an important member of the 2014 title-winning aspect.
Maharoof believes Mathews’s “wealth of expertise and a few years of worldwide cricket” are precisely what Hasaranga wants as a younger chief.
“Hasaranga has surrounded himself with good gamers,” he mentioned.
Whereas Sri Lanka have named a spin-heavy squad, contemplating the essential position of slower bowlers on the pitches within the US and West Indies, Maharoof sees them as a group that has all its bases lined.
He termed them the event’s “darkish horses”.
“This Sri Lankan squad has what it takes to go all the best way. T20 cricket is all about momentum and if the Sri Lankan group begins effectively and positive aspects momentum [in the World Cup], it’ll be exhausting to cease them.”
Maharoof’s three Sri Lankan gamers to look at
Hasanranga: “The captain will likely be a vital participant who can play a floater’s position within the batting order, offering them flexibility. With the ball, he’ll assault and attempt to take wickets in his 4 overs. If Hasaranga has a great World Cup, Sri Lanka can have a great World Cup.”
Kusal Mendis: “If he will get going on the high of the [batting] order, he might be brutal.”
Dushmantha Chameera: “Chameera has simply received the Indian Premier League with Kolkata Knight Riders and his confidence will likely be very excessive. If he stays match and will get the best rhythm, Chameera will likely be a bowler to look at.”
