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Review: SL vs PAK CWC 2023

Sri Lanka’s second match in the Cricket World Cup 2023 was heartbreaking as the Lankans failed to defend 344 falling yet again on the wrong side of a CWC record (highest successful run chase). Nevertheless, the efforts of the Pakistani players must be appreciated as they batted incredibly well and timed their chase of 345 to perfection! As a result, Pakistan made it two in two in their CWC campaign while Sri Lanka remained winless after two games hence congratulations to Pakistan and hard luck to Sri Lanka. With that said, shall we look into the pros and cons Sri Lanka can take out of this game and forward? We shall!

Pros (with the bat)

  1. Nissanka’s attacking 50
  2. Mendis’s fine 100
  3. Sadeera’s classic 100
  4. Dominant phases from overs 1-30

Cons (with the bat)

  1. Middle order collapsing 
  2. Poor finishing
  3. Didn’t score enough runs from over 30-50 (especially the last 10 overs)

Pros (with the ball and in the field)

  1. Took early wickets in the powerplay

Cons (with the ball and in the field)

  1. Released pressure after the powerplay
  2. Gave away too many extras (especially wides)
  3. Bowled too many lose bowls 
  4. Gave away too many scoring opportunities (especially singles)
  5. Dropped crucial catches towards the backend 

Overall, these are the pros and cons Sri Lanka can take out of this game and going forward. That said, Sri Lanka must really look to fix their bowling as it has been the main reason why Sri Lanka lost this match the their first game! So, What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with us? Comment below!

Leave a Comment

3 Comments

  1. Yes, whatever you listed are always has been the problem and the players don’t seem to put that effort to correct those and seem to be repeating the same mistake so there is no consistency.
    DDS doesn’t seem to be the type of player who is suited for flat Indian batting tracks, his batting and bowling effective in SL condition.
    Without Hasaranga , need a good quality spinner, who can bowl a few overs, give you that control and build pressure: Viyaskanth, PrabathJaysuriya are the names come to mind.
    Fast bowing point of view, without Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep would have been a better choice, Pramod Madushan are the type of bowlers could have given that control, bowling good line and length. Remember Nuwan Pradeep performed well in Pakistan, similar type of Indian pitches when he toured Pakistan.
    Nuwan Thushara – another one should be given a chance and be part of the system.
    From power hitting point of view, in the middle order, Avishka Fernando, Mathews would have been handy.

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  3. Without Hasaranga and Chammera (injured players), ideal squad for WC23

    1. Pathum Nissanka
    2. Kusal Perera
    3. Kusal Mendis
    4. Sadeera
    5. Angelo Mathews
    6. Charith Asalanka
    7. Avishka Fernando
    8. Dasun Shanka/Dunith Wella
    9. Makesh Theekshana
    10. Nuwan Pradeep
    11. Dilshan Madushanka/Pramod Madushan

    Also Shevon Daniel should be considered after WC is over.

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