Colombo: Sri Lanka on Thursday announced their T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Zimbabwe, with star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga notably absent.
Hasaranga, who injured his hamstring during the T20I series against Bangladesh in July, was already missing from Sri Lanka’s squad for the two-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, which begins on Friday. His absence will continue, as he was not included in the 17-player squad for the T20I leg of the tour, scheduled to conclude just before the Asia Cup starts on September 9.
This raises doubts over Hasaranga’s participation in the eight-team Asia Cup in the UAE, as the 28-year-old has not played any cricket since that July T20I against Bangladesh.
With Hasaranga sidelined, Sri Lanka will rely on spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage to strengthen the spin department in the T20I series. Both players were included in the 17-player squad. Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who missed the two ODIs, also returns, while experienced all-rounder Charith Asalanka will captain the side across both white-ball formats.
The squad boasts several seasoned performers, including Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, and Dasun Shanaka, all of whom have enjoyed considerable success in white-ball cricket.
The first ODI between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe is set for August 29, with the T20I series kicking off in Harare on September 3.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Vishen Halambage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana
Series Schedule:
- First ODI – August 29, Harare
- Second ODI – August 31, Harare
- First T20I – September 3, Harare
- Second T20I – September 6, Harare
- Third T20I – September 7, Harare
