Sri Lankan cricket has introduced exciting talent for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, with Sineth Jayawardena and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth making headlines. Jayawardena, a 21-year-old opening batsman, steps into the spotlight following impressive performances in the domestic circuit. Notably, he scored 101 off 52 and 82 off 32 for Tamil Union Cricket Club recently. This series marks a key opportunity for him, having only one T20I match under his belt from the Asiad games.
In the sphere of spin, Viyaskanth secures his position as the leg-spinner, filling the void left by the injured Wanindu Hasaranga. The squad also sees the inclusion of seam-bowling all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe and batter Sahan Arachchige. Binura Fernando, the returning seamer, adds experience to the bowling attack.
Notably excluded from the squad are Charith Asalanka, fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake, and batting all-rounder Janith Liyanage. Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera is also in the squad, though his place is contingent on passing a fitness test.
Players such as Wickramasinghe, Arachchige, and Viyaskanth are not new to the international setup, having consistently performed at the domestic level. With Sri Lanka’s limited success in T20s this year, this series could be a pivotal moment for these players to strengthen their standing within the team.
The bilateral series, scheduled for Rawalpindi, will commence on 9th October.
Sri Lanka Squad:
Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Kusal Mendis (captain), Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera (fitness pending).
