Sri Lanka announce 15-men squad for World Cup 2023 Qualifiers, Angelo Mathews left out

Sri Lanka and West Indies will be playing in World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka have announced their 15-member squad to play in ICC World Cup 2023 qualifiers in Zimbabwe and have dropped Angelo Mathews from the big championship. Mathews has been dropped from the squad due to his poor show with the bat in the ODI format. He was also dropped from the Sri Lankan playing XI after the first ODI against Afghanistan in Hambantota. Dasun Shanaka will be leading the 1996 World Cup champions team in ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Along with Sri Lanka, West Indies have also failed to qualify for the World Cup directly and will be playing in qualifiers. There are two remaining places still to grab in the big event. 

Matheesha Pathirana included in SL squad

Sri Lanka have picked Matheesha Pathirana in the 15-member squad after his brilliant performance in the Indian Premier League for Chennai Super Kings. Along with Pathirana, Dushmanth Chamira, Kasun Rajitha, and Lahiru Kumara are there in the Lankan pace attack. Dasun Shanaka will be leading the squad and wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis is picked as vice-captain of the team. Dhananjaya de Silva and Wanindu Hasaranga will be playing a key role in this Sri Lankan squad trying to seal their place in World Cup 2023. They have also brought in Dushan Hemantha as a surprise leg-spinner, Hemantha recently made his ODI debut against Afghanistan. 

Sri Lanka are placed in Group B of the championship along with Ireland, Scotland, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Sri Lanka will play their opening game against the United Arab Emirates at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The championship final is scheduled for 9th July at Harare Sports Club in Harare. The top two teams will book their flight to India in October to play in the ICC Cricket World Cup. West Indies will be taking on the host Zimbabwe, Nepal, Netherlands, and the US. They will start their campaign against the US at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare on 18th June. 

Sri Lanka squad for the ICC World Cup qualifiers:

Dasun Shanaka ©, Kusal Mendis (wk & vc), Dimuth Karunarstne, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushan Hemantha