World Cup Teams / Andrew Hughes / 08 February 2011 /

Regular contenders for limited overs silverware, Sri Lanka have slipped under the radar somewhat ahead of the World Cup but there is no doubt that they have what it takes to lift the trophy.

The last time the World Cup was held in south Asia, Sri Lanka shocked the cricket world and revolutionised the way limited overs cricket was played in the process. 15 years on from their triumph, opening batsmen are still blazing away in the fashion that Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitherana pioneered with such astonishing success. We can't expect the 2011 Sri Lankans to have the same impact as their 1996 predecessors, but a second World Cup win is certainly on.

They've been ruthless in discarding old hero Jayasuriya and bowling stalwart Chaminda Vaas, but their squad is still packed with experience. They are strong at the top of the batting order, which features the star trio of Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, and with the ball, where the legendary Muttiah Muralitheran and the dangerous Lasith Malinga are supported by youngster Angelo Matthews, some reliable seamers and 'mystery' spinner Ajantha Mendis.

If they have a weakness, it is their middle order batting. After the big three, there is not a lot else. Thilan Samaraweera and Chamara Kapugedara tend to slow an innings down at 5 and 6 and it is asking a lot of young Mathews to move up the order from his usual position at 7. But if they can solve this problem, Sri Lanka have the big hitters and the bowlers to go all the way in conditions where they will be right at home.

The Captain - Kumar Sangakkara
One of the most intelligent men in world cricket, Sangakkara has a triple role as wicket-keeper, front line batsman and captain, a role he has so far excelled in. He is an astute tactician and is at his peak as batsman but the weakness of the Sri Lankan lower middle order means he cannot afford more than the occasional off day with the bat. He will also need to get the best out of star youngsters like Mendis and Mathews.

The Wizard - Tillakaratne Dilshan
The most devastating of the Sri Lankan batsman, Dilshan is an inventive and destructive opener, who can, like Jayasuriya before him, tear any attack to shreds, regardless of the conditions. But he can also be reckless and it is vital for Sri Lanka's chances that he curbs some of his more excessive risk taking. If he can stay at the crease for even 30 overs, then a big score is pretty much guaranteed.

The Slinger - Lasith Malinga
The most unorthodox fast bowler in world cricket, he vies with Umar Gul for the title of the best death bowler in the game. His indipping yorkers are fiendishly difficult to keep out, let alone score off and his slow bouncer, delivered with that trademark slinging action has made a fool of many an unwary batsmen. Malinga is in his prime and he could be bowler of the tournament in conditions he should relish.

The Mystery - Ajantha Mendis
Batsmen who have seen a lot of Mendis are starting to work out a method of playing coping with him and he could be used sparingly, particularly against other Asian teams. But against the likes of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England, who have not yet had to face his challenge, he could be a gamewinner. His probing accuracy is relentless and combined with impossible to pick variations. Even if he doesn't break through, he can whizz through ten cheap overs in no time.

Best Bet:

Sri Lanka to win the World Cup at [6.0]

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