Asia Cup 2018: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka's Predicted Playing XI

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will kick-start the 14th edition of the Asia Cup on 15 September at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Sri Lanka hasn’t been in the best of forms in the limited overs. The Island nation had recently lost the home series against South Africa by 3-2. Meanwhile, Angelo Mathews will know that his side will have its work cut out as Bangladesh will give them a run for their money. Hence we try to decode Sri Lanka’s Predicted Playing XI.

In fact, the recent matches between these two teams have gone down to the wire. It was a controversial finish when these had lock horns in the Nidahas trophy fixture. Therefore, it would be a perfect chance for Sri Lanka to take revenge for their defeat.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka had won the last two matches against South Africa. Thus, they would have received a shot in the arm after a dismal performance in the other series.

Here is the look at Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI.

Upul Tharanga

Upul Tharanga didn’t have the best of series against Proteas. The southpaw scored only 93 runs in the five matches. Thus, he would like to get back to form in the six-nation tournament.

Niroshan Dickwella (wk)

Niroshan Dickwella wasn’t originally in the Sri Lankan team. The wicketkeeper-batsman was called in as a cover for injured Dinesh Chandimal. The left-hander will like to give a good platform to Sri Lanka. Dickwella had scored 158 runs against South Africa.

Kusal Perera

Kusal Perera is well known for taking the attack on the opposition. The southpaw batsman scored 179 runs against South Africa. Thus, he is in a decent touch and would like to impress in the Asia Cup.

Kusal Mendis

Kusal Mendis hasn’t had the best of times in the recent past. Mendis is one of Sri Lanka’s gifted players and would like to make a good contribution in the middle order.

Angelo Mathews

One of the biggest positive for Sri Lanka in the South Africa series was the return of form of their captain – Angelo Mathews. The all-rounder holds the key to Sri Lanka’s success in the Asia Cup.

Dananajaya de Silva

The talented right-hander Dananjaya de Silva has shown the promise to be the future of Sri Lankan cricket. Meanwhile, de Silva scored 124 runs in the three innings against South Africa.

Sri Lanka will like to get off to a good start.

Thisara Perera

Thisara Perera has shown an upward swing in his improvement graph. In fact, the Sri Lankan all-rounder has shown maturity in his stroke play.

Dasun Shanaka

Dasun Shanaka has also done well for Sri Lanka with both bat as well as the ball in the recent past. Consequently, Shanaka is capable of providing quick runs while batting down the order in the Asia Cup.

Dilruwan Perera 

Perera will hold the spin responsibilities in absence of Akila Dananjaya who is doubtful for the first two matches. Therefore, Dilruwan will like to hit the ground running as he could be part of Sri Lanka’s Predicted Playing XI.

Suranga Lakmal

Sri Lanka’s deputy Suranga Lakmal has been the most impressive fast bowlers for the side in the recent past. Thus, Lakmal will like to hit the right areas in the multi-nation tournament.

Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga will bring a lot of experience to the Sri Lankan pace battery. The veteran fast bowler has returned to the Sri Lankan team after a long gap of one year.