ODI World Cup 2023: Sri Lanka’s strongest predicted playing XI for the tournament

9. Maheesh Theekshana

Maheesh Theekshana will lead the Sri Lankan spin attack in absence of Wanindu Hasaranga. He has had a good outing in ODIs in 2023. In 15 matches, he has 31 wickets with a best of 4/25 and an economy of 4.50.

Check: Most Wickets in Cricket World Cup 2023

His finger spin is mysterious and often fools the batter by bowling straighter ones. As a result, this creates a dilemma for the batters to figure out whether the ball will spin or not. Theekshana overall has 44 wickets in 27 ODIs for Sri Lanka.

10. Kasun Rajitha

Kasun Rajitha is known for his notable performances in the ODIs. In his career spanning 30 matches, he has showcased his bowling prowess with 30 wickets to his credit. Rajitha has bowled 1347 deliveries, conceding 1357 runs at an average of 33.92. His best bowling figures in an innings stand at 4/50, displaying his ability to take crucial wickets under pressure. With an economy rate of 6.04 runs per over, Rajitha has demonstrated an impressive level of control and consistency in restricting the opposition's scoring rate.

His bowling strike rate of 33.6 highlights his effectiveness in claiming wickets at regular intervals, making him a valuable asset for the Sri Lankan team. Rajitha's contributions have been instrumental in maintaining the pressure on the opposition and providing crucial breakthroughs during important matches. While he hasn't yet achieved significant milestones such as five-wicket hauls, his consistent performances have solidified his position as a reliable and skilled bowler for the Sri Lankan cricket team. With Sri Lanka's ODI World Cup chances dwindling by a thread, Rajitha could steer the team to a series of wins that could keep their hopes alive.