The Sri Lankan team is touted to be underdogs at the Asia Cup 2018 and are considered as not so favourites in the tournament. The team will play their first match tomorrow against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the first match in Group B. Placed on number 8 at the ODI Cricket Ranking, Sri Lanka has a lot to prove this tournament. They have had a forgettable outing against South Africa recently as they lost the ODI series by 3-2. Check out the full schedule of the Asia Cup 2018. 

The Sri Lankan team has a lot at stake and injuries have hit the team hard. Danushka Gunathilaka has gone home owing to a lower back problem and Shehan Jayasuriya has stepped into his shoes. Ahead of the tournament, Dinesh Chandimal was ruled out with a finger injury. Lasith Malinga’s come back into the squad was one of the biggest news for the team, however, the pacer hasn’t played international cricket since last year. So, it would be a wait and watch game for the Lankans.

However, Angelo Mathews has a plethora of an experience under his belt and can obviously come handy for the team. Also, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Suranga Lakmal are quite classy as players and would want to play as a unit. Also, it would be difficult to ignore Akila Dananjaya, the off-spinner who can be a wicket-taking bowler on the slowish track. Dushmantha Chameera too can be extremely helpful for the team with as he is someone who can consistently bowl at the speed f 140 kmph.

Check out Sri Lanka’s full squad below:

Angelo Mathews (c), Amila Aponso, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananjaya, Niroshan Dickwella, Shehan Jayasuriya, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Kusal Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Kasun Rajitha, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Upul Tharanga

So, if the Sri Lanka team gets their act together and gels well as a unit, we are quite sure that they can make it to the Super 4. However, the onus of the team will be on players like Malinga, Angelo Mathews and the other senior to make the team execute their plans well on the field.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2018 04:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).