Sri Lanka Squad Announced for Pakistan Series, Charith Asalanka Dropped

Sri Lanka have announced their squad for the T20I series in Pakistan, with young players and performers from domestic cricket receiving priority. Top-order batter Sineth Jayawardene has earned his first call-up to the senior national team. Meanwhile, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth has been included in the squad after star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out due to injury.

The 21-year-old Jayawardene earned his place in the squad following a series of explosive performances in domestic T20 cricket. Playing for Tamil Union Cricket Club in a recent T20 competition, he scored two impressive innings of 101 off 52 balls and 82 off 32 balls.

Meanwhile, batter Charith Asalanka, pacer Dilshan Madushanka, spinner Tharindu Ratnayake and batting all-rounder Janith Liyanage have been dropped from the squad following a prolonged run of poor form.

Amid Sri Lanka’s recent struggles in T20 cricket, all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, batter Sahan Arachchige and pacer Binura Fernando have been recalled to the squad. Pacer Dushmantha Chameera has also been included, although his participation will depend on his fitness.

The three-match T20I series will begin on October 9 in Rawalpindi.

Sri Lanka Squad:

Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardene, Kusal Mendis (captain), Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga and Dushmantha Chameera (subject to fitness).