NED vs SL: Sri Lanka playing XI vs Netherlands, Match 19, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 - Predicted

Sri Lanka will lock horns with Netherlands in match No.19 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Lucknow on Saturday.

It hasn't been a great tournament for Sri Lanka so far. They have lost all three games in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Sri Lanka have lost to South Africa, Pakistan and Australia. They have also suffered injuries to their key players. But now they have a chance to register their first win.

Sri Lanka will face Netherlands in their next game on Saturday at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. It will be the first game of the double header, and Sri Lanka will enter as favorites against a slightly weaker opponent. So let's check out the predicted playing XI for Sri Lanka against Netherlands in Lucknow.

NED vs SL: Sri Lanka's Predicted playing XI vs Netherlands

1. Pathum Nissanka :

Pathum Nissanka has been the highest scorer for Sri Lanka in ODIs this year and has continued that form into this tournament. He has scored 112 runs in three innings at an average of 37.33. With the form he is in, he will look to capitalize on it and play a big innings from the top to put Netherlands under pressure.

2. Dimuth Karunaratne :

Kusal Perera played a brilliant innings against Australia but got hit on his head and will miss the coming clash. Thus, Dimuth Karunaratne is likely to replace him in the playing XI. Karunaratne is the former test captain and knows how to build big innings. His temperament will be the key at the top for his team, and he can play a perfect anchor role.

3. Kusal Mendis (c & wk) :

Kusal Mendis is in red-hot form and has scored the most runs for his team in this tournament. He has made 207 runs in three innings at an average and strike rate of 69.00 and 156.81, respectively. He will be the biggest wicket in this line-up because he can single-handedly take Sri Lanka to victory.

4. Sadeera Samarawickrama :

Sadeera Samarawickrama is another in-form player in the top-order who is scoring runs consistently. He has scored 139 runs in three innings, at an average and strike rate of 46.33 and 119.82, and smashed a brilliant hundred against Pakistan. Samarawickrama makes batting look pretty easy because of his shot selection.

5. Charith Asalanka :

Charith Asalanka has had his moments in this tournament so far. He has scored 105 runs in three innings at an average of 35 and a strike rate close to 100. The left-hander is a key player in the middle-order. Adding to his batting, he is a pretty useful spinner and can get help on the slow pitch in Lucknow.

6. Dhananjaya de Silva :

Dhananjaya de Silva is one of the most experienced players in this line-up. He adds immense value to this team in both departments. He can bowl ten overs and bat according to the situation. De Silva will be the player to watch out for because the pitch in Lucknow will help him, and being an experienced batter, he will look to play an impactful innings.

7. Chamika Karunaratne :

The injury to captain Dasun Shanaka helped Chamika Karunaratne enter in the World Cup team. He played the last game against Australia but couldn't deliver, but he is a great team player. Chamika is a useful pacer, and his slower ones and change-ups can deceive the batters. He is also a powerful striker who can add quick runs in the end overs.

8. Dunith Wellalage :

Dunith Wellalage is a young all-rounder who made his way into the World Cup squad after good performances in Asia Cup 2023. His performances in this tournament haven't been that impressive, but he is a talented youngster who has some good games under his belt. With no Wanindu Hasaranga in the team, he gives this side a good balance with his all-round skills.

9. Maheesh Theekshana :

Maheesh Theekshana will be the key for Sri Lanka in Lucknow. He has a lot of variations and will be a lethal bowler in the middle-overs for Sri Lanka. He has everything to take wickets on this pitch, which helps the spinners. A lot will depend on how Theekshana will bowl in Lucknow, because he is currently their biggest wicket-taker.

10. Lahiru Kumara:

Lahiru Kumara made his comeback into the team after an injury and played the last game against Australia. But he couldn't deliver, and he is the most experienced bowler for his team. Kumara is a dangerous bowler with the new ball and is also effective in the final overs. He will look to get into the rhythm and pick wickets early on.

11. Dilshan Madushanka :

Dilshan Madushanka will be the bowler to watch out for. He has taken seven wickets in three games at an average of 27.26. And those wickets include the likes of Babar Azam, David Warner, and Steve Smith. He is a pretty canny customer and can swing the ball both ways, which is why he is not easy to face.