Pride of the Lion’s in main frame for some fireworks at T20 World Cup – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sports editor)

Pride of the Lion’s in main frame for some fireworks at T20 World Cup – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sports editor)

Sri Lanka warmed up to a beautiful Melbourne spring day at the MCG and soon sounded out their intentions for the upcoming World Cup T20 tournament in Australia with a convincing 33-run win over Zimbabwe. 

Fresh from a successful Asia Cup triumph, the Lankans showed no signs of letting up in different conditions by quickly adapting to the bouncier and quicker wickets here, as they rev up preparations to get through the qualifiers before the big event commencing on October 16.

Early indications suggest that the flighty Lankans will trouble some of the top teams and although it seems far fetched at this stage, they certainly can emulate their previously seemingly improbable Asia Cup success. 

Although warm up games don’t usually carry the same significance,  it gives some indication of what’s to follow as the tournament proper gets underwater on October 16.

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The Lankans have had a rich history of success at World Cup events since being admitted to the top rung in 1982.

They played in the one-day World Cup before gaining Test status and have since gained a feared reputation for always being the unknown quantity. Among their achievements is the 1996 World Cup triumph in Lahore, Pakistan and the T20 win in 2014 in Bangladesh. They have also featured in several World Cup finals including three T20 events,  the only team with that success rate since its inception. 

Dasun Shanaka leads a talented team of emerging superstars, who,  though lacking in experience, possess tremendous confidence which will soon be in evidence.

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Administrative blunders and selection issues have dogged the Lankans in the recent past. But a ray of sunshine appears to have broken through the cracks as a welcome new direction emerges from broken clouds in the cricketing system. 

While Shanaka’s success rate as skipper soars despite early finger pointing by unjust critics, the team selection and chopping and changing at a whim which has halted recently appears to have made heavy inroads into Sri Lanka’s turnaround. 

Shanaka has at his disposal a well rounded team who under new coach Chris Silverwood appears to have jelled into a formidable force. Whether they can surprise the rest of the world in this unpredictable format is anyone’s guess.  But making that prediction now, maybe getting ahead of themselves. 

Names such as Pathum Nissanka,  Charith Asalanka,  Wanindu Hasarsnga,  Maheesh Theeksheena, Bhanuka Rajapakse will be remembered after this tournament as they team up with Shanaka and the senior members of the team to prove their mettle to the cricketing world. 

Sri Lanka head off to Geelong to begin their qualifying rounds against Namibia on October 16, UAE on October 18 and the Netherlands on October 20. 

The first two teams in two groups progress to the main event. West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland,  UAE, Namibia, Scotland, Netherlands and Sri Lanka will battle it out in their respective matches to make the cut.

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From a Sri Lankan perspective,  it is about quick adaptation from the slow low turning tracks of Dubai to Australian wickets. In this respect Silverwood whose recent experience at the helm of the England team will be invaluable. 

Australia,  England,  New Zealand and India are hot favourites to contest this edition with the unpredictable Pakistan and South Africa not far behind. 

If there was a dark horse, I would rate the plucky Lankans with a good chance. 

The next group stage will involve teams already qualified and the top four teams from the earlier stage. 

T20 World Cup 2022 full schedule

This year’s T20 World Cup will begin on Sunday, October 16th with a clash between Sri Lanka and Namibia. 

The final will take place on Sunday, November 13th at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.