Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced the 15-man final squad to take part in the upcoming tri-nation T20I competition, Nidahas Trophy against Bangladesh and India which begins on 6thMarch in Colombo.
Test skipper Dinesh Chandimal will lead the Sri Lanka T20I team as regular limited-overs skipper Angelo Mathews was not considered for selection as he is yet to recover from the injury which he suffered during the concluded Tri-Nation Series in Bangladesh.
Suranga Lakmal who was rested for the T20Is in Banglades has been recalled and given the ‘Vice-Captain’ mantle as well.
Fast-bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep have returned to the T20I setup after they missed the Bangladesh T20Is due to injury.
Hard-hitting batsman Kusal Janith Perera was preferred in the squad over Niroshan Dickwella while off-spinning all-rounder Dhananjaya De Silva was picked after Asela Gunaratne was ruled out last week due to a shoulder injury.
Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and fast bowler Asitha Fernando who were a part of the squad which won 2-0 against Bangladesh have been left-out from the Nidahas Trophy squad.
The Nidahas Trophy is being played to celebrate the island nation’s 70th year of independence.
Sri Lanka T20I squad – Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), Suranga Lakmal (Vice Captain), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Thisara Perera, Jeewan Mendis, Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya, Amila Aponso, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Dhananjaya De Silva.
