Like the team, bold and it’s a spinning wicket we should play this lineup. Is a Chameera out from WC? If we do end up playing 2 paceys, it should be between Chameera, Madushanka and Pathirana. A heavy right hand batting line up, I would play Madushanka ahead of Pathirana. I would still take Dimuth as an extra batsman too.

Kasun Rajitha is hot and cold. I would never pick him over Chameera. Also not drop Dana. Was really hoping Wellalage performed, so he can be the 3rd spinner but he has not, so don’t think he will get a call up. Theekshana is bowling decently. If he doesn’t get at least 2 wickets a game as a frontline bowler. Ramesh Mendis is who I would tap. Also hope KJP recovers so he can take Sadheera’s position.
Pathum
Dimuth
Mendis
KJP/Sadheera
Asalanka
Dana
Shanaka
Hasaranga
Ramesh
Chameera
Lahiru/Madushanka/Chammika

Too many untested players at the international level. I do wonder why we don’t open ODIs with Mendis. If he open I would play KJP one down. Sounds like he is injured again.

Dasun is definitely not performing consistently enough but changing the captain now is too risky. Captain should not picked purely based on form. Dana has not performed well enough either. Chandimal and Dimuth have captained and failed. No point in trying the same things and expecting different results. We shouldn’t ignore the Ireland test form but it was not with a top class team. Dasun needs to deliver more consistently. Period or we will not get anywhere in the WC. It can’t be one match winning innings in every 10 games.

Good point, no one has stepped up. Maybe we do play Theekshana in Zimbabwe. The only issue is we will bat only until 8, which is fine. Also Lahiru Kumara has been bowling well recently, seems to have a lot more control. He could be the second pacey a long with Chameera. In India my vote is to play Ramesh Mendis or Welllalage at 8. It is a gamble in terms of bowling though. Hasaranga has to step up or none of this matters.

Really shouldn’t bring tried and failed players back just because of their performance in local tournaments. Maybe he has improved, but shouldn’t take the risk with a critical international qualification tournament.
Theekshana should be in the squad for sure, and his economy is great. But restricting to 45 runs in his 10 overs doesn’t help us a lot to win games. He is just not a strike bowler in ODIs and he can’t bat. We should play to win and not just play to not lose.

No way we should play Rajitha in flat tracks. Chammika is better. Good to have some experience but don’t think we should play both Dimuth and Mathews. Also not sure if Theekshana is the best option for ODIs. Wellalage or Ramesh Mendis are good spin options. Extra pacey should be Binura or Madushanka. Akila lol… we should take him if we don’t want to qualify.

I think it is safe to say that batting lineup has not worked for us. Batters need to setup but Kusal has not done well at 3. We should just continue to let him open. Asalanka at 3. Need a little bit of experience in the line up too. Hope KJP is fit and in form.

Fair point. Do agree, Pathum and Kusal have been settling in to opening roles. It will be good solidify the positions. Kusal, Pathum, Asalanka, Avishka is a solid batting lineup once they settle. If Dana was consistent, he would be a good option for 3 too, with pace still on.

I don’t know if Avishka should bat in the top 3. Based on the analysis that Mahela had done, it’s best for him to come in when the field is spread out. Shanaka should come in at 5. Rajitha bowled well in the last game but he will be the weak link if there is no swing. Kolkata seems to be a batting friendly pitch.