Wanindu Hasaranga to lead in T20Is as Sri Lanka name preliminary squads for Zimbabwe series

Wanindu Hasaranga has been out of action due to an injury faced in Lanka Premier League 2023.

Sri Lanka have announced their preliminary squads for the upcoming white-ball clashes against Zimbabwe, with the series kicking off on January 6, 2024, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The squad announcement carries a significant revelation, marking the return of spin-bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who was sidelined since sustaining an injury during Lanka Premier League in August 2023. His absence from the Asia Cup and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 was deeply felt.

In a strategic move, Wanindu Hasaranga has been appointed as the captain of the T20 international side, a testament to the team’s confidence in his leadership skills. Charith Asalanka will serve as his deputy, forming a potent leadership duo. For the ODIs, the experienced Kusal Mendis will lead the side, with Asalanka taking the role of vice-captain.

Wanindu Hasaranga to lead Sri Lankan team in T20Is against Zimbabwe

The preliminary squads feature a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, showcasing the depth of Sri Lanka’s cricket talent pool. In ODIs, the squad boasts players like Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, and Dushmantha Chameera, offering a combination of batting abilities and bowling firepower. Meanwhile, the T20I squad includes exciting prospects such as Angelo Mathews, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and the experienced Kusal Janith Perera.

As the teams gear up for the white-ball cricket, the fixtures promise a thrilling contest, with three ODIs scheduled for January 6, 8, and 11, and three T20Is set for January 14, 16, and 18. The final squads for both formats will be selected from the preliminary list closer to the series commencement, reflecting Sri Lanka’s commitment to building a competitive and well-rounded unit prepared to face the challenges posed by Zimbabwe.

Preliminary T20I squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Pathum Nissanaka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Kusal Janith Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana.

Preliminary ODI squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Gunasekera.

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