ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Team Review - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Angelo Mathews (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-capt), Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayake

Batting -

Strengths

The Big 3 of Dilshan, Sangakkara and Jayawardene; all of whom have a wealth of experience behind them and all of them in scintillating form as well having reeled off many hundreds between them in the past few months. Angelo Mathews had a stellar run in 2014 and though he has not started 2015 on the same note but he remains a clinical finisher in ODI cricket.

Weakness

Dilshan may have been the shining light for the Lankans at the top of the order but he continues to search for a stable opening partner. Kusal and Tharanga were tried but they both failed and Sri Lanka selected raw Dimuth Karunaratne in their 15 man squad but he too failed in the limited chances that he got in the recent series against New Zealand. Thirimanne provided some relief as he played relatively well in the later part of the same series. Dinesh Chandimal and the hard hitting Thisara Perera are also struggling for form and runs.

Rating - 8/10

Bowling - 

Strengths

The return of the deadly Lasith Malinga will surely bolster the Lankan bowling line up. They have Nuwan Kulasekara who can swing the ball like on a hoop and Lakmal who is accurate with a bit of nibble to support Malinga. The spin responsibilities will be shared by the lion hearted Rangana Herath and the indefatigable Sachithra Senanayake.

Weakness

Malinga is returning from injury and it remains to be seen how quickly is he able to hit his straps. The support bowling cast of Lakmal and Kulasekara are known to leak lots of runs, particularly in the slog overs.

Rating - 6/10

Fielding - 

Strengths

Sri Lanka are one of the top fielding sides in international cricket and they are led by the ageless Dilshan who continues to prowl the point region with the energy of a 16 year old. The ground fielding of the Lankans in general is of high standard and they pride on their fielding performances.

Weakness

Though they are a very good fielding side, they dropped numerous catches in the recently concluded series vs NZ which cost them 2-3 games. They must make sure that they do not carry the plague in the World Cup 2015.

Rating - 8/10

Overall Summary

The Golden generation of Mahela, Sanga, Dilshan, Malinga and Herath will be playing their last World Cup and they will be motivated and determined to go one step further than they did in 2007 and 2011 when they finished as bridesmaid. They are a team that has the best record in ICC tournaments since 2007 and they will be looking to fiercely add to that reputation. The reigning WT20 champions will be keen to get their hands on the ODI World Cup 2015 as well.

Rating - 7.5/10

Given Below are the other Team Reviews that I have done

Australia
Bangladesh
England
India
New Zealand
Pakistan
South Africa
West Indies