Sri Lankan bowlers hold the key
Friday, February 04, 2011 : ODI
Sri Lanka will definitely fancy their chances of achieving something in the upcoming World Cup, especially since it will be partially played on home soil. While the Sri Lankan side is blessed in all aspects of their side it could be their bowlers that hold the key to the team winning the whole tournament.
There is clearly strength in the Sri Lankan's spin department with Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis well known for their ability to clear out a middle order with their variety of spin and tweak and teams will be very wary of how to handle the duo on home soil. While the spin will play a major part in Sri Lanka's hopes of success, they will also need an intimidating pace attack if they are going to go all the way. The they are not favourites in the ICC World Cup betting, but they're not far off.
Lasith Malinga will be handed the responsibility of taking the early wickets with the new ball that allow the spinners to have their fun with the middle order. The left arm slinger will also have an important role to play bowling in at the death and the crazy haired Malinga has mastered the art of bowling at the end of innings, with his mix of toe-breaking yorkers and subtle slower balls.
Perhaps the most improved Sri Lanka bowler is the 23 year old all-rounder Angelo Mathews. Although he isn't a big hitting batsman or a express pace bowler, Mathews brings a level of calm methodical play that will be important to his side when things aren't necessarily going their way. Along with his batting and bowling, Mathews is one of those rare breeds of talented Sri Lankan fielders. All in all, the much improved youngster could be his team's player to watch.
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