First Look: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have performed well in World tournaments in the last decade. In fact, they have made the finals in last two WC appearances and semis in the other. A lot of that has to do with the wealth of ODI experience they have had especially in their batting and a certain off-spinner who has now retired.

A look at the squad ....

Sri Lanka have been going through re-building process and this will be the last WC for two of its stalwarts Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. They have groomed a good leader in Angelo Matthews over the last couple years and he has taken his game to the next level. The squad has quite a few options but lacks depth and experience in the bowling department.

Strengths -

Middle-order batting is definitely a big strength of this team and with Dilshan's experience at the top, they could put competitive totals. Matthews is a good finisher but he will need more support from the likes of Mendis, Perera etc. Always a good fielding side, this team will have to make most of the half chances to compensate for lesser bowling options. If Matthews and Perera can show their all-round skills, it will help them immensely.

Weaknesses - 

Sri Lanka bowling lacks the variety and experience that it has had over the years with Murali. They have some promising quicks but I'm not too sure of their consistency and ability to bowl to good batting line-ups in non-subcontinent conditions. If anything, they can be restrictive but lack wicket taking skills. Also, apart from the experience trio and Matthews, batting is very inconsistent and lacks the punch to do well in pressure situations.

Prediction - With them in the same group as the hosts, SL will have to play really well to finish top two in the group. I don't think the conditions are going to suit their game and they will face a tough quarter-final opponent from the other group. I won't back them to make the top 4 this time around.