Jayasuriya Credits Asalanka for Sri Lanka's Rise in ODI Rankings

Jayasuriya Credits Asalanka for Sri Lanka's Rise in ODI Rankings

Sri Lanka men's ODI team has quietly staged a remarkable comeback in the 50-over format, climbing from No. 9 to No. 4 in the ICC ODI rankings within the past year. Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya believes the resurgence has been driven by a combination of hard work, clear planning, and most importantly, strong leadership from captain Charith Asalanka.

“Asalanka has played a key role alongside me,” Jayasuriya said ahead of the second ODI against Bangladesh. “What we have done is give players confidence and get the best out of them. Players worked very hard and that hard work has enabled us to move forward. There were mistakes that they fixed.”

Sri Lanka’s most recent success — a dominant 77-run win over Bangladesh in the series opener — was powered by a superb century from Asalanka. His 106 not only anchored the innings but underlined his value as both a batter and a leader. Since taking over the captaincy, Asalanka has averaged 46.83 at a strike rate of 97.23, stats that reflect both consistency and intent.

Sri Lanka's turnaround has been particularly impressive given the depths they had reached just two years ago. A dismal 2023 World Cup campaign saw them finish ninth, and they failed to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy — their first absence from the event.

However, since August 2024, the team has won 10 of their last 14 completed ODIs, securing series victories against India, West Indies, New Zealand, and Australia — though all of those wins came at home.

“It was a big challenge to go from where we were to No. 4,” Jayasuriya acknowledged. “It was a big process. We were a team that had missed out on the Champions Trophy. Every opportunity we got, we planned carefully and worked to revive the ODI team.”

Looking ahead, Jayasuriya is focused on consistency and improvement in key areas. “If we want to move further up, we need to work on other areas like fielding and batting, and build consistency.”

As Sri Lanka prepare for the second ODI against Bangladesh at R Premadasa Stadium, the team is not only chasing a series win but also seeking to maintain their upward momentum in world cricket’s traditional format — one where, under Asalanka’s captaincy, they have found fresh purpose.

 

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