Asia Cup 2018: Key Sri Lankan Players to Watch Out For in the Mega Tournament

Sri Lankans are undoubtedly touted to be one of the weakest teams in the Asia Cup 2018 as they do not have great players who can single-handedly win matches for the team. Gone are the days when they had players like Sanath Jaisurya, Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara who could snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The team as of now is in a rebuilding phase and also the Sri Lankan board is marred with a few controversies here and there, this obviously impacts cricket. Hong Kong qualifies for the Asia Cup 2018 

The Sri Lankan team is yet to find a perfect balance. However, if the squad decides to put behind all the odds to focus on Asia Cup 2018, one cannot rule out their chances for the mage event. The Sri Lankan team has a few players who could change the game at any given point in time. Check them out below:

Dushmantha Chameera

With an economy of 5.41, Dushmantha Chameera made his debut for the Sri Lankan team in January 2015. Chameera is someone who can consistently clock 140kmph, however, doubts about him being featured in the playing XI linger as the squad has players like Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga and Suranga Lakmal. Also, Chameera played his last ODI in January 2018.

Akila Dananjaya

Spinner Akila Dananjaya snapped 14 wickets in the recently concluded series against South Africa. Needless to say, the team would want to use the inform player to an optimum level. Akhila Dhananjaya always has a surprise up his sleeve and is extremely vital for the Sri Lankan squad.

Dinesh Chandimal

Having played 139 ODIs for Sri Lanka, Dinesh Chandimal has an average of 32.69. Chandimal made his debut in 2010 and has played 139 matches for the country. Needless to say that he is one of the most experienced players in the lot. So obviously he will have a lot to contribute to the side,

Sri Lanka squad: Angelo Mathews (Captain), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dhanajaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera and Lasith Malinga.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2018 07:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).