Haddin predicts Sri Lanka to reach semi-finals, Jayasuriya does not

Brad Haddin

Sanath Jayasuriya 

Brad Haddin, the former Australian wicket-keeper/batsman reckons that Sri Lanka will make it to the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India, while former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya has a different view altogether.

Haddin backs Sri Lanka to continue their momentum all the way through to a shock knockout berth.

“I think Sri Lanka can find their way into the semi-final,” Haddin told Fox Cricket in a discussion with experts Brendon Julian and Mark Waugh on every nation’s chances at this year’s World Cup.

“If you look at how they’ve been playing over the last 12 months, they’ve won 12 of their last 14 games, they were in the final of the Asian Cup. They’ve got some really handy spinners in Theekshana and Hasaranga who will do well in these conditions. Their opening batters in (Kusal) Mendis and (Pathum) Nissanka, they play these conditions well.”

Haddin also believes Sri Lanka must play “fearless cricket” if they are to upset the apple cart at the World Cup.”

Sri Lanka’s cricketing legend Jayasuriya predicts that India, England, Australia and New Zealand will have a chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Hoping that Sri Lankan fans don’t criticize him for not picking Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya speaking on the ‘Sanath Show’ explained that Sri Lanka’s chances are hampered due to various injuries to its players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana.  

“I would love for Sri Lanka to reach the semi-finals. But the persisting injuries are an issue. I believe Sri Lanka has a chance of reaching the semi-finals. However, out of the current strong teams, the chances are more for India, England, Australia and New Zealand,” he said.