Sri Lanka name strong squad for T20I World Cup

|| CF DESK ||

Sri Lanka has named all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga as captain for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, to be held in the West Indies and the USA. Hasaranga, who became Sri Lanka's T20I captain in December last year, will lead an experienced team. Middle-order batsman Charith Asalanka has been appointed as his vice-captain.

The squad features veteran Angelo Mathews, who returned to the T20I scene in January after a nearly three-year break. This World Cup marks Mathews' sixth appearance at the tournament; he was part of Sri Lanka's championship-winning team in 2014.

Sri Lanka's lineup offers plenty of leadership experience. The squad includes former limited-overs captain Dasun Shanaka, current ODI captain Kusal Mendis, and current Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva, providing the team with a wealth of knowledge in the leadership department.

Sri Lanka has prioritized balance in their team composition, featuring several all-rounders. Hasaranga, a premier spin-bowling all-rounder, is joined by fellow spin specialists Dunith Wellalage, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis.

Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka offer pace-bowling all-rounder options, bringing versatility to the squad.Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara, with their slinging bowling action reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, brings the X-factor to Sri Lanka's pace attack spearheaded by Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka.

Sri Lanka are placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Bangladesh, Netherlands and Nepal. They begin their T20 World Cup campaign on 3 June against South Africa in New York.

Apart from the core 15-member squad, Sri Lanka have also named four players as traveling reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Janith Liyanage.

Sri Lanka squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dilshan Madushanka

Traveling Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Janith Liyanage.