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| M. Jayawardene(434) |
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| K. Sangakkara(390) |
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| T. Dilshan(300) |
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L. Malinga(177)
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| N. Kulasekara(159) |
|
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| A. Mathews(145) |
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| T. Perera((91) |
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| D. Chandimal(89) |
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| L. Thirimmane (80) |
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| R. Herath(64) |
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| J. Mendis |
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| S. Senanayake(39) |
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| S. Lakmal(29) |
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| D. Prasad(22) |
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| D. Karunaratne(6) |
Way back in 1996, the year of my birth, last time Sri Lanka lifted the Gold studded Trophy (WC). Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapatu, Chaminda Vaas have all bid adieu to International Cricket long ago. Now its time for Kumar Sangakkara and his partner Mahela Jayawardena to say goodbye to international cricket. But there is some time left for that though. Before they say 'that's all' they are going to play for the last time in that baggy blue jersey representing Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, one would say have got the talent and potential to perform at the highest level. It is unlikely that they would choke out of the tournament taking undue high pressure, as they are proven big match winners. With squad in its transition phase facing a bit problem with their combination, there are still highly experienced players. Kumar Sangakkara is in sublime form in all the formats of the game. He recently concluded 2014 with being the highest run scorer across all formats. His partner Mahela Jayawardena, has retired from the shortest and the longest format of the game. He will though continue palying ODI but has announced his retirement soon after the WC.
T. Dilshan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Kushal Janith Perera would be some other players Sri Lanka would bank upon for their batting performances. Dilshan being the most experienced batsmen among above mentioned is likely to guide other youngsters. Karunaratne also being rewarde for his performances in tests. Would be quite interesting to see if he gets a place in final XI or not.
The x-factor would be the fast bowling all-rounders which Sri Lanka posses in plenty. Angelo Mathews being the skipper of the side is in prime form of his career with the bat. He is very handy as well with the ball. If he can add a few more wixkets to his column he would be lethal. Thisara Perera is someone who is a bit famous in Australia, playing a bit of Big Bash for the Brisbane Heats. Sri Lanka would be hoping him yo come good with the bat and the ball as well. And if its his night then there is no devil stopping Sri Lanka from winning.
Bowling is also boosted up by the return of Lasith Malinga who was injured since the Champions League in september. He hasn't yet recovered fully but is hopeful of making it to the WC. He is lethal with his slinging action, in swinging pacy yorkers and slower balls which deceives the batsmen. Rangana Herath who remained under the shade of mystery spinner Muralidharan has taken over the reins from him since his retirement. He will be well supported by Sachitra Senanayake who has cleared his action. Nuwan Kulasekara, Dhamikka Prasad and Suranga Lakmal would be the pace battery for the Sri Lanka.
With Sri Lanka being the best runners up team in the tournament history so far, can they rise to the ocassion and offer a great farewell to the greatest players ever which Sri Lanka has seen( Sanga & Mahela) ??? Still remains a big question in each and every Sri Lankan fan. Only time will answer the questions....
Sri Lanka (Teams from) : Angelo Mathews
(c), T. Dilshan, K. Sangakkara
(wk), Mahela Jayawardena, Lahiru Thirimanne
(vc) , Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga (subject to fitness), Dhamika Prasad, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath, Sachitra Senanayake
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