Sri Lankan bowlers take pasting in IPL – is that a worry?

Ahead of T201 series against Bangladesh

- BY SA'ADI THAWFEEQ

ONE of the prime concerns of Sri Lanka when they begin their three-match T20I series with Bangladesh from 10 July is to get a winning combination to be a force to be reckoned with in the ICC T20 World Cup which they are due to co-host with India in February-March 2026.

Sri Lanka has around 20 T20Is to prepare their side for this mega event. Apart from the home series against Bangladesh, their lead up to the World Cup includes two three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan both away and a five-match T20I series with England at home close to the World Cup. There will also be another 6-7 matches of the Asia Cup which will be played in the T20I format that India is due to host in September.

The big challenge for Sri Lanka in the coming months is to improve their team rankings. While they have enhanced their rankings in the ODIs (4th) and Tests (6th) they have been languishing at 8th in the T20I format for several years due to a lack of consistency in their performances.

Since the last T20 World Cup held in the Caribbean and USA in June 2024, Sri Lanka has played 11 T20Is and won 4 and lost 7. Their last T20I took place at Nelson where they beat New Zealand by 7 runs.