Aakash Chopra cant help but marvel at Sri Lankas exceptional bowling prowess as they gear up for their 2024 T20 World Cup clash against South Africa in New York on Monday June 3. An exhilarating showdown awaits as the talented Lankan Lions bowling unit faces off against the Proteas batting might.
Sri Lanka and South Africa are in Group D with Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Netherlands. Most observers refer to it as the ‘Group of Death,’ and whomever loses Monday’s game will face a difficult route to the Super Eights.
In a video posted to his YouTube account, Aakash Chopra stated that Sri Lanka has a potent assault that may capitalize on the bowler-friendly conditions in New York.
“The Sri Lankan team is very competent. Their bowling attack is outstanding – Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana. Then Angelo Mathews is bowling well and they have Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka and Nuwan Thushara.”
“They have got a phenomenal bowling attack. Considering the pitch that was seen in the first match, the friendly between India and Bangladesh, I feel their bowling will do well.”
Aakash Chopra
Injuries have been causing trouble for Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dilshan Madushanka as of late. Sri Lanka is banking on the trio making a complete recovery for the upcoming global event.
“They could have slight problems in batting” – Aakash Chopra on Sri Lanka
On the other hand, Aakash Chopra was somewhat apprehensive about Sri Lanka’s batting.
“They could have slight problems in batting – Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Charith Asalanka – how they will play? Then Dhananjaya de Silva, they will again expect batting from Angelo Mathews, and Dasun Shanaka. The batting is looking 50-50 but their bowling is looking good to me.”
Aakash Chopra
The distinguished commentator handpicked Pathum Nissanka, Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana as the standout players for the triumphant 2014 T20 World Cup squad.
“Sri Lanka’s bowling and South Africa’s batting will be the contest to watch out for. Players in focus – Pathum Nissanka because the ball will swing, Angelo Mathews who is doing well as an all-rounder, and then Wanindu Hasaranga/Pathirana. It will be very interesting to see how they perform.”
Aakash Chopra
Sri Lanka experienced a mix of outcomes in their pair of warmup encounters. They suffered a 20run defeat against the Netherlands but managed to secure a convincing 41run win against Ireland. Interestingly their batting performance failed to impress in either match with Hasarangas 39 runs standing out as the highest individual score in the two games.