The biggest carnival in the Asian cricket begins now from today with the Asia Cup 2022 kicking off with Sri Lanka taking Afghanistan in the opening match tonight, i.e. 27th August in Dubai from 7:30 Indian Standard Time (IST).
Talking about Sri Lanka, they are the hosts of the competition. But, the competition is being in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to all the financial crisis that is going on in Sri Lanka right now.
The Lankan Lions are the are 2nd most successful team in the history of the competition having won the title a total of 5 times, 2 times less than the most successful team, Indian cricket team.
Sri Lanka will be high on morale going into the tournament after having registered a comprehensive series win against the full-strength Australian team earlier. Today in this article, we take a look at 5 Sri Lanka’s key players to watch out for in Asia Cup 2022.
Pathum Nissanka
The first name in our list is the Sri Lankan team’s opening batsman Pathum Nissanka. The 24-years-old right-hand batsman is Sri Lanka’s best T20 batsman nowadays and is currently ranked number 9 in ICC T20I batters’ ranking. Nissanka has so far played 23 T20I matches and has scored 628 runs at an average of 28.55 and a strike rate of 115.
Charith Asalanka
The next Sri Lankan player to keep an eye on is Charith Asalanka. The 25-years-old Sri Lankan batsman has a huge potential to grow and has established himself really well. He is currently ranked 18th in the ICC T20I rankings. He has so far played 20 T20I matches and has scored 521 runs at an average of 28.94 and a strike rate of 123.
Wanindu Hasaranga
The next name in the list is bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. Wanindu Hasaranga has a good amount of experience of playing in the IPL and other T20 cricket leagues which will benefit him only. He has so far played 38 T20I matches and has scored 382 runs and taken 62 wickets.
Maheesh Theekshana
Another spin bowler in the list after Hasaranga is the current Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Maheesh Theekshana. Theekshana has gained a considerable amount of experience having played in the IPL and will be great option for the Lankan team. He has so far played 18 T20I matches and has taken 16 wickets.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa
The 5th and the final Sri Lankan player to keep an eye on is wicketkeeper batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa mainly plays in the middle-order and can play explosive shots, which he displayed in the IPL 2022 for Punjab Kings. He has so far played 21 T20I matches and has scored 350 runs at an average of 23.33 and a strike rate of 134.