ODI World Cup 2023: Can Lankan Lions win the WC? Predicting Sri Lanka's Strongest XI

A young Sri Lankan side led by Dasun Shanaka will aim to mark their presence in the upcoming edition of the ODI World Cup. The Sri Lankan team lacks a lot of star players such as Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera in their CWC 2023 squad, however, the team still has a lot of talent and potential to perform well in the major ICC event. Sri Lanka played in the finals of the 2023 Asia Cup. 

3 things you need to know

• Sri Lanka has never won an ODI World Cup after 1996
• Sri Lanka has never qualified for an ICC ODI World Cup knockouts after 2011
• Sri Lanka is the favourites to win the ODI World Cup 2023

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Sri Lanka's Strongest ODI World Cup XI

The Sri Lankan cricket team lacks experience in its squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, the team still has a lot of talented players such as Matheesha Pathirana, Dunith Wellalage and Sadeera Samarawickrama. Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka has also been performing well with both bat and ball in the past few years and has taken the team to victory. Wellalage, Pathirana and Samarawickrama on the other hand impressed with their performances in the 2023 Asia Cup. 

If we look at Sri Lanka's strongest ODI World Cup 2023 XI, Pathum Nissanka is likely to open the innings for the Lankan lions. Along with Kusal, Dimuth Karunaratne or Kusal Perera can be Nissanka's opening partner as both these players are quality left-handed batters and have enough experience playing international cricket. Kusal Mendis may bat at number three due to his stable batting technique and the ability to play long innings. Sadeera Samarawickrama showed a lot of promise with the bat at number four in the 2023 Asia Cup and shall be batting at the same position in the ODI World Cup. Charith Asalanka showed a brilliant presence of mind in the 2023 Asia Cup match against Pakistan and took the team over the line in the Super 4s match of the tournament. Asanlanka shall bat at number 5 in the CWC 2023. Dhananjaya de Silva has a sound technique and can also bowl a few overs with the ball. de Silva is expected to bat at number six. Dasun Shanaka will lead the Sri Lankan team and bat at number seven. He can also bowl a few overs with the ball. 

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Dunith Wellalage destroyed the Indian batting lineup in the Asia Cup 2023 and will play at the number 7 position in the upcoming 50-over World Cup. Maheesh Theekshana will lead Sri Lanka's spin attack in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga in the CWC 2023. Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana may be the other two pacers, who shall play for the Sri Lankan team in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Kusal Perera/Dimuth Karunaratne
3. Kusal Mendis
4. Sadeera Samarawickrama
5. Charith Asalanka
6. Dhananjaya de Silva
7. Dasun Shanaka 
8. Dunith Wellalage
9. Maheesh Theekshana
10. Kasun Rajitha
11. Matheesha Pathirana

Sri Lanka squad for ODI World Cup 2023

Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Kumara, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushan Hemantha