Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a 17-member squad on Monday for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. Uncapped pacer Eshan Malinga has received his maiden call-up to the national T20I side. Among the notable returns are Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, and Dunith Wellalage.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asitha Fernando, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe have missed out from Sri Lanka’s last T20I squad, which faced New Zealand over six months ago.
Malinga, who has represented Sri Lanka in six ODIs, has featured in 27 T20 matches in his career, picking up 40 wickets at an impressive average of 18.22. The right-arm quick was one of the few bright spots for Sunrisers Hyderabad during a tough IPL 2024 campaign. Though he didn’t start in the playing XI, he made an immediate impact once given the opportunity—claiming 13 wickets in 7 matches at a strike rate of 12.3.
Malinga to bolster SL’s pace bowling group
He will join a varied pace contingent featuring Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Binura Fernando.
In the spin department, there were no surprises. Jeffrey Vandersay will serve as back-up to Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, while Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, and Charith Asalanka also offer spin options.
Before the T20I series begins, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will meet for the ODI series decider in Pallekele on 8 July. The three-match T20I series will then follow, with fixtures scheduled for 10 July (Pallekele), 13 July (Dambulla), and 16 July (Colombo).
Sri Lanka T20I Squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga