Wasantha De Silva
1 Pathum Nissanka Top order Batter
2 Kusal Mendis † Top order Batter
3 Avishka Fernando Top order Batter
4 Dhananjaya de Silva Middle order Batter/ Allrounder
5 Dasun Shanaka (c) Middle order Batter/ Allrounder
6 Charith Asalanka Middle order Batter
7 Wanindu Hasaranga Allrounder
8 Chamika Karunaratne Allrounder
9 Dunith Wellalage Allrounder
10 Kasun Rajitha Bowler
11 Lahiru Kumara Bowler
It would have been better if you posted this under blogs without posting it in photos.
I also think Lahiru Kumara should be playing but I don’t feel Dilshan Madushanka should be dropped.
Madushanka might have an injury, although I would like to give an opportunity to Lahiru as well.
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.
Avishka’s 3 ODI centuries have come batting in 1st and 3rd positions (Mahela might analyze his T20I data since in ODI he has plenty of time to settle down), even though I would personally like him to come after 1 down since Mendis & Pathum has nicely maintained our opening batter duties for the past year. My personal opinion is that Rajitha is a good all-format bowler now, he needs to maintain his nerve in these batting paradise pitches (Kolkata will be the same for sure, India planned to get their all batters in form ahead of WC to settle their batting lineup)
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.