Sri Lanka - WC 2011 Preview

One of the strong favorites for this year’s title, SL have a good all-round squad ideally suited for sub continental conditions. They have been pretty consistent in the last few world cups (96 Winners, 03 Semis, 07 Finals).

Sanga, Mahela, Murali and Malinga will be their crucial impact players, while Dilshan can sometimes blow hot or cold in batting. Mathews who is really growing in stature as a cricketer will provide the crucial balance as an all-rounder.

Kula, Sam and Tharanga form the rest of the team who will need to provide a good supporting act if SL are to reach the finals or win the cup.

Strategy
• Dilshan will charge from ball 1 and they have Sanga and Mahela to steady the ship
• Given the limited choices down the order – it may well be worth a risk trying to send Kapu earlier to try and force the pace against spinners in the middle overs
• Sanga and Mahela will form the think-tank

Missing Out
• They should have selected a good solid hitter to play at the end of the innings

Strengths
• Good all-rounder in Angelo Mathews
• Slinga Malinga is virtually impossible to get away at death overs
• At 38 Murali is still a handful esp. in subcontinent
• Dilshan can explode at the start of innings

Weaknesses
• Weak lower-middle order – Kapu and Silva have been given too many chances and have failed
• Lack a bit of support to Malinga in fast bowling department

Dark Horse / X-Factor
• T Dilshan
• A Mathews

My Take
• Finals / Winners

My Playing 11
• Upul Tharanga, T Dilshan, Sangakkara(wk), M Jayawardena, T Samaraweera, A Mathews, C Kapugedera, T Perera, N Kulasekara, L Malinga, M Muralitharan

Drinks
• Chamara Silva, A Mendis, R Herath, D Fernando


PS: As always, any comments/feedback will be highly appreciated.