Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup 2026 Hopes: Shanaka's Co-Hosts Eye Glory Amidst Recent Struggles

• Sri Lanka, co-hosts for the 2026 T20 World Cup, aim to overcome recent poor form and replicate their 2014 success.
• The team has struggled in ICC events since 2014, failing to progress past group stages in recent tournaments, including the 2024 edition.
• Strengths include explosive opener Pathum Nissanka (ranked 5th in ICC T20 batting) and a strong all-rounder contingent led by Wanindu Hasaranga (ranked 6th in T20I bowlers).
• The pace attack, featuring Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana, and finisher Dasun Shanaka, also provide significant advantages.
• A key weakness is the batting lineup's over-reliance on Nissanka and the top order, leading to collapses, especially in the middle overs.