After Sri Lanka’s early exit from the T20 World Cup, many in the cricket fraternity were expecting a relatively better showing against India. However, the Charith Asalanka-led side couldn’t turn things around and lost the T20I series 3-0. The team exhibited a sheer lack of confidence, and the inexperienced middle-order failed to build on strong opening stands in two out of three games.
Following the exclusion of veterans Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva after the T20 World Cup debacle, hopes were pinned on Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, and Wanindu Hasaranga, but they failed to deliver. In the final game, Sri Lanka couldn’t chase nine runs off the last two overs against part-time spinners Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh, eventually tying the game and losing in the Super Over.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka is set to face India in the ODI format from Friday, August 2, in Colombo. Let’s explore how they can recover from this disappointing series loss.
#1 Winning the ODI Series in a Dominating Fashion
The 50-over format has generally been more suitable for Sri Lanka’s playing style. The team lacks a ferocious hitter in their line-up and relies more on traditional batters. Players like Pathum Nissanka and skipper Asalanka, ranked 8th and 14th in the ODI rankings respectively, will need to play key roles. With three 40+ scores in the last five ODI innings, Kusal Mendis can be trusted for impactful contributions.
Sri Lanka has a strong spin-bowling arsenal with Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akila Dananjaya, and Dunith Wellalage, especially effective on a turning track like Colombo. The hosts are expected to give a tough fight to the Indian team and have a real chance of securing a dominating victory.
#2 Getting Significant Contributions from Their Middle-Order
The middle-order collapse was a significant issue in Sri Lanka’s T20I loss against India. After top-order batters like Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Kusal Perera provided blazing starts, the middle order often failed to capitalize and lost wickets cheaply.
In the first T20I, Sri Lanka fell from 149/2 to 170/10 in less than five overs. The recent game saw them failing to chase 30 runs off the last five overs with nine wickets in hand. Consistent contributions from the middle order will be crucial for posting competitive totals and boosting the team’s confidence.
#3 Return of Key Pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara
The return of talented pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara will be pivotal for the Sri Lankan team. Although both were initially named in the T20I squad against India, they were ruled out due to injuries. Chameera suffered from bronchitis and a respiratory infection, while Thushara fractured his thumb during a training session.
While they are unlikely to play in the ODI series, their return will significantly strengthen the team’s bowling attack in the near future. Chameera has 56 scalps in 50 ODI appearances, and although Thushara hasn’t played ODIs, he has been impressive with 19 wickets in 11 T20Is. Their presence will ensure consistent breakthroughs at crucial stages of the game.
By focusing on these three strategies, Sri Lanka can hope to bounce back strongly from their recent setbacks and regain their footing in international cricket.
