- Eshan Malinga and Pavan Rathnayake earn call-ups; Pathirana and Madushanka ruled out
Dasun Shanaka has been appointed vice-captain of Sri Lanka for the upcoming T20I tri-series involving Pakistan and Zimbabwe. The selectors have also named fast bowler Eshan Malinga and uncapped batter Pavan Rathnayake in the ODI squad against Pakistan.
Malinga replaces the injured Dilshan Madushanka, who is still recovering from a knee injury, while Matheesha Pathirana misses the T20Is due to an upper respiratory infection, with Asitha Fernando taking his place. Rathnayake was rewarded for consistent domestic performances, including a List A hundred earlier this year.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes his return to the T20I setup after impressive form in the SLC T20 tournament, where he struck at 163. Dunith Wellalage, meanwhile, will lead Sri Lanka A in the Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup in Doha.
Sri Lanka will play three ODIs against Pakistan on November 11, 13, and 15 in Rawalpindi before the tri-series begins on November 17, with the final scheduled for November 29 in Lahore.
Sri Lanka squads:
ODIs: Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga
T20I tri-series: Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka (vice-capt), Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga
