Sri Lanka, under the fresh leadership of Wanindu Hasaranga, has assembled a balanced side that ticks all the essential boxes for success. With players like Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Charith Asalanka, the batting lineup looks robust. Veterans Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka add depth as seam-bowling all-rounders, while captain Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage provide options in the spin-bowling department. Maheesh Theekshana is expected to share the spin responsibilities equally with Hasaranga. Dilshan Madushanka will be key during the Powerplay overs, while Matheesha Pathirana will handle the pressure of bowling in the death overs, joined by Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara to complete the pace battery.
Squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesh Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka. Traveling Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Janith Liyanage.
Fixtures:
3 June: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, New York
7 June: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Dallas
11 June: Sri Lanka vs Nepal, Florida
16 June: Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, St. Lucia
Keep an eye on Matheesh Pathirana, a fast bowler known for his ability to consistently deliver balls at speeds exceeding 145 km/h and his devastating yorkers. Despite having played only six T20Is, his recent performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai, where he took 13 wickets at an economy rate of 7.68 over six games, has cemented his reputation as a formidable death-over specialist. Although he returned from the IPL season early due to a hamstring injury, Pathirana has been selected for the squad and is anticipated to recover in time for the tournament.
