Sri Lanka on Monday, November 17, announced changes to their squad for the T20I tri-series against Zimbabwe and hosts Pakistan. A statement from Sri Lanka Cricket Board confirmed that skipper Charith Asalanka
and pacer Asitha Fernando will be missing out on the series owing to illness.
The two players will be returning back home, a precautionary measure to ensure that they receive proper care and sufficient time to recover for future assignments. Meanwhile, former captain and seasoned all-rounder Dasun Shanaka will take over the reins for the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan.
Dasun Shanaka to lead Sri Lanka after Charith Asalanka returns citing illness
Furthermore, uncapped batter Pavan Rathnayake, who made his ODI debut in the recently concluded series against Pakistan, has been added to the T20I squad as well. Sri Lanka arrive into the tri-series on the back of a 3-0 series defeat at the hands of Pakistan. The upcoming matches will provide all three teams with vital preparation for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka's updated squad for tri-series involving Pakistan and Zimbabwe:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga
Tri-series schedule:
November 18: Pakistan v Zimbabwe
November 20: Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
November 22: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
November 23: Pakistan v Zimbabwe
November 25: Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
November 27: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
November 29: Final
