T20 World Cup: Schedule | Points table
Despite starting their campaign with a solid win over Ireland, the co-hosts’ batting showed worrying signs of stagnation, highlighted by a boundary drought from overs 7 to 15 against spin. While Kamindu Mendis’ 19-ball 44 provided the late impetus and Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a half-century despite illness, Sri Lanka know they need to rotate the strike better and not rely solely on late acceleration.
Chameera admitted that Hasaranga’s absence leaves a significant void, but stressed that the onus now lies with the entire bowling group. Substitute Dusan Hemanth, while relatively inexperienced internationally, offers all-round value, while Mahesh Theekshana’s role becomes even more important after his three-goal effort in the opening game. Sri Lanka will also look for improved starts from Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara to ensure that the middle order is not forced into recovery mode.
Oman, playing in their fourth T20 World Cup, arrive eager to rewrite the narrative after a heavy defeat to Zimbabwe that exposed vulnerabilities to pace and bounce. Their top order crumbled in Colombo but wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla expressed confidence that the team can respond strongly and said a single poor performance will not define them. With bowlers like Sufyan Mehmood and Shah Faisal showing promise, Oman will hope to capitalize on Sri Lanka’s batting woes and pull off an upset reminiscent of their memorable 2016 win over Ireland.