Sri Lanka have confirmed their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICCMen’s T20 World Cup 2021.
The squad will be led by Dasun Shanaka as the team begin theircampaign on 18 October against Namibia in Abu Dhabi in Group A of theFirst Round, where they have also drawn Ireland and the Netherlands.
The only major omissions from the squad were Niroshan Dickwella, KusalMendis and Danushka Gunathilaka, who were banned for a year forbreaking the Covid-19 protocols on their tour of England in July. WithKusal Perera’s return after an injury, Minod Bhanuka, who was keepingthe wickets in Perera’s absence, also misses out.
21-year-old off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who made his T20I debut inthe first match against South Africa and dismissed Heinrich Klaasen,has been included. The youngster was also impressive in his ODI debutearlier this week, picking up a four-wicket haul. The other spinnersmaking the squad are left-armer Praveen Jayawickrama, who made hisinternational debut earlier this year, and Wanindu Hasaranga.Jayawickrama is the only uncapped member in the squad but has beenincluded on the basis of his terrific performances in other formats.He had an excellent Test debut against Bangladesh in April, picking up11 wickets in the match. He also has played five ODIs so far andpicked up five wickets.
The fast bowling department will be led by Dushmantha Chameera alongwith veteran seamer Nuwan Pradeep and all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne.
They have also named four reserves, who will travel with the squad asinjury cover – Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya andPulina Tharanga.
Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Janith Perera,Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, CharithAsalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne,Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrama, LahiruMadushanka, Maheesh Theekshana.
Reserves: Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Pulina Tharanga. ICC