Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka will play their first match of the T20 World Cup 2022 on October 16 against Namibia.
Sri Lanka’s recent rise in Twenty20 cricket culminated in the Asia Cup triumph. However, their rankings from a year ago ensured that they would have to play in the First Round of the T20 World Cup in order to make it to the Super 12s. They are pitted in Group A, along with Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates, while Group B features the West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Scotland. Two teams will proceed from each group to the Super 12s, where they will meet Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa.

Sri Lanka reached the final of the T20 World Cup in 2009 (in England) and 2012 (at home) before winning the title in Bangladesh in 2014. On Australian soil, their record in Twenty20 Internationals reads 6-8 (it used to be 5-0): all matches have been against the hosts.

However, Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan (twice) in five consecutive matches to clinch the Asia Cup this month. Dasun Shanaka’s team should be optimistic about their success after that. In Wanindu Hasaranga, they have a contemporary giant; Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Kusal Mendis are in excellent form; and their bowling attack does not seem to have an obvious weakness.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022, Sri Lanka will play two warm-up matches, against Zimbabwe and Ireland in two different venues in Melbourne.

T20 World Cup 2022, Sri Lanka warm-up schedule: Fixture list and match timings

(All timings are in local time)

Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, October 10, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, 8pm
Sri Lanka v Ireland, October 13, Junction Oval, Melbourne, 4pm