Wanindu Hasaranga Set for Maiden Leadership Role as Sri Lanka Eye Balanced Squad
Wanindu Hasaranga will embark on his first major assignment as the newly appointed captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team. The Lions have assembled a well-rounded squad that addresses most of their needs.
The batting unit comprises experienced campaigners like Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Dhananjaya De Silva. Veteran all-rounders Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka will provide valuable seam-bowling support, while Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage lead the spin-bowling all-rounders.
Spin and Pace Attack
Maheesh Theekshana is expected to share the spin duties with captain Hasaranga. The pace attack features the lethal Dilshan Madushanka, who can be a menace during the Powerplay, and Matheesha Pathirana, who will be tasked with taming batters in the death overs, alongside Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara.
Pathirana, in particular, has been turning heads with his blistering pace and accurate yorkers. The young pacer made a strong impression during his recent stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he claimed 13 wickets in just six matches with an economy rate of 7.68. Despite a mid-season hamstring injury, Pathirana has been included in the squad and is expected to be fit in time for the upcoming fixtures.
Sri Lanka Squad:
- Wanindu Hasaranga (c)
- Charith Asalanka
- 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
- Dilshan Madushanka
Traveling Reserves:
- Asitha Fernando
- Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Janith Liyanage
Fixtures:
- June 3: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, New York
- June 7: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Dallas
- June 11: Sri Lanka vs Nepal, Florida
- June 16: Sri Lanka vs Netherlands, St. Lucia
🔗 Source