Sri Lankan bowlers were on the money against England. To restrict the opposition to just 146, where the score of 180 had been breached twice while batting first, was a great outcome. However, the batters couldn’t back that up and claim a victory. Now, Sri Lanka must win their second Super 8 match against New Zealand to keep their hopes of T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal qualification alive.
No changes in bowling department
Unlike Pallekele, the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has been the more spin-friendly surface in the tournament. That would mean, despite Dushan Hemantha’s underwhelming performance against England, the leg spinner should continue. Along with Hemantha, Sri Lanka will have Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and Kamindu Mendis as 3 other spin options.
Considering how well Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera were with the ball against England, 3 wickets for 59 runs in 8 overs, both of them will continue. The former is a powerplay expert, while the latter shines in the middle and death overs.
Opening combination to change again
The bowling wasn’t an issue against England. The batters led Sri Lanka down. The top 6 batters scored just 42 runs between them. Yes, you read that right. Dasun Shanaka turned out to be the highest scorer, 30, and no other player even crossed the 15-run mark.
But Sri Lanka doesn’t have many options. Moreover, barring the second opener, every other batter has delivered at least one good performance in the T20 World Cup. Kamil Mishara has failed in the 3 matches he’s played (14, 8, and 6), and Kusal Perera in the 2 he has (1 and 22).
But Mishara has failed against the weaker teams (Ireland and Oman) and the stronger teams (England). Meanwhile, Perara’s two games came against Australia and Zimbabwe. Even Kumar Sangakkara criticised Mishara’s performance, and it looks like Perera will return for the New Zealand match.
Predicted Sri Lanka Playing XI vs New Zealand
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera
Bench: Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara, Pramod Madushan
