Last Updated on September 13, 2021 by Umar Khan
Sri Lanka 15 members squad has finally been announced. Two players, Theekshana, Jayawickrema confirmed their position in the final team. The initial squad has a few experienced campaigners who can provide stability to the team. Sri Lanka will start its T20 World Cup campaign against Namibia on 18 October.
Sri Lanka is in a rebuilding phase after the retirement of some big names like Malinga, Sangakara, Mathews, Jawardanaye, and some other top-class players. That is why most critics say that the Sri Lankan team is not able to go very deep into the tournament. But, remember, Sri Lanka is an international level team with rich cricketing history to say that they can do anything.
Sri Lanka – Round 1, Group A
Matches:
- 18 Oct – v NAM
- 20 Oct – v IRE
- 22 Oct – v NED
Another setback for the team is that three of their most experienced players are rolled due to not following the Covid-19 protocols in England. They are banned for 12 months. Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, and Danushka Gunathilaka are the players who are excluded.
The following is the Sri Lankan Team For T20 World Cup Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lahiru Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana.
Reserves: Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Pulina Tharanga.
Maheesh Theekshana, a 21-year old off-spinner, has joined the world cup team after displaying outstanding performance in the recent series against South Africa. On his debut, he dismissed Heinrich Klaasen is now a part of the Sri Lankan T20 World Cup squad.
Looking at the pitches and conditions of the hosting countries, most of the teams are over-loaded with a number of spinners. Praveen Jayawickrama is another spinner who has been included in the squad based on his previous performances.
Praveen Jayawickrama is the only uncapped member of the squad who draws the selectors’ attention through his fantastic performances in the recent past. On his debut, he took 11 wickets in the match against Bangladesh in April.
Though the pitches are batting and spin-friendly, we can’t deny the importance of the fast bowling attack for a team. The Sri Lankan team squad has got front-line fast bowlers for the coming T20 World Cup 2021. Dushmantha Chameera along with veteran seamer Nuwan Pradeep along with an all-rounder, Chamika Karunaratne.