Dasun Shanaka will lead Sri Lanka’s T20I side for the upcoming tri-series involving Pakistan and Zimbabwe. This move comes after incumbent captain Charith Asalanka was ruled out by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) due to illness. Returning home along with Asalanka is Asitha Fernando, who is also out through sickness.
Pavan Rathnayake, who has played a solitary ODI, has been drafted into the squad as a replacement.
“Two players returning home: captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando, both suffering from illness, will return home. The two players will not take part in the upcoming tri-series featuring Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe,” wrote SLC on X.
The SLC media release added that the two first-choice players had been called back so that both could recover quickly ahead of the busy season.
“This precautionary decision ensures they receive proper care and sufficient time to recover ahead of future assignments. Dasun Shanaka will captain with Asalanka unavailable. Pavan Rathnayake has been added to the T20I squad as a replacement,” it added.
The T20I tri-series will kick off with host nation Pakistan going head-to-head with Zimbabwe on November 18. Sri Lanka will open their campaign against Zimbabwe on November 20.
Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
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