COLOMBO, Nov 7 (ePRESS) – Power-hitter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been recalled to Sri Lanka’s Twenty20 International squad for the upcoming tour of Pakistan, where the islanders will play a bilateral ODI series and a tri-nation T20 tournament featuring Zimbabwe, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced on Friday.
The team is scheduled to leave for Pakistan on November 8, marking Rajapaksa’s return to the national setup after a brief absence. The selectors have also reshaped the T20 side, appointing former captain Dasun Shanaka as the vice-captain to support Charith Asalanka, who will lead both formats.
Sri Lanka will play three One-Day Internationals against Pakistan on November 11, 13 and 15, with all matches starting at 2.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time.
Sri Lanka have further boosted their pace attack, adding slinger Eshan Malinga and seamer Asitha Fernando to strengthen a four-man fast bowling unit that already includes Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara.
Left-arm paceman Dilshan Madushanka, initially named in the ODI squad, will miss the tour due to a knee injury, with Eshan Malinga taking his place. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana was selected for the T20 side but will sit out as he recovers from an upper respiratory tract infection, with Asitha Fernando replacing him.
In the ODI squad, Asalanka continues as captain, with Lahiru Udara joining the team alongside Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pavan Ratnayake, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Pramod Madushan as the key changes.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad:
Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Ratnayake, Wanidu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga.
Sri Lanka Twenty20I Squad:
Charith Asalanka (captain), Dasun Shanaka (vice captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanidu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga.
