Sri Lanka have made several changes to their T20I squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh starting July 10.
Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne return to T20I setup
The most notable selection is the return of former captain Dasun Shanaka, who last played for Sri Lanka a year ago in a T20I against India. His most recent appearance in T20s came during Dubai Capitals' title-winning ILT20 campaign earlier this year, where he played several explosive lower-order cameos. Among them were an unbeaten 34 off 10 balls against Gulf Giants, a 34 off 12 against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and a 10-ball 21 in the final against Desert Vipers.
Also returning to the T20I squad after more than two years is all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne, whose last appearance in the format came against New Zealand in April 2023. Most recently, he represented Nondescripts Cricket Club in Sri Lanka’s Major Clubs T20 Tournament, helping them reach the semi-finals. Karunaratne finished as the club’s second-highest run-scorer (121 runs at 121.00 average, 161.33 strike-rate) and joint-second-highest wicket-taker (7 wickets at 18.85 average, 7.76 economy).
Eshan Malinga earns maiden call-up
Malinga, a death-overs specialist, made his IPL debut this season for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He emerged as one of the few bright spots as they finished sixth, ending as the team's third-highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets at an average of 18.30 and an economy rate of 8.92. Having made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in July, this is his first call-up in the T20I side.
Talented spin-bowling all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, who was called up to the Test side against Bangladesh as Angelo Mathews' replacement, has also now earned a recall to the T20I squad. The 22-year-old will be looking to build on his brief four-match T20I career, having last featured against New Zealand in November 2022.
The three T20Is will be played on July 10, 13 and 16 at Pallekele, Dambulla and Colombo, respectively.
Sri Lanka squad for Bangladesh T20s
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, and Eshan Malinga.
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