Sri Lanka name new captain for first two T20Is against Bangladesh

Charith Asalanka has been appointed as Sri Lanka’s interim captain for the first two T20Is against Bangladesh due to the absence of regular skipper Wanindu Hasaranga, who is serving a two-match ban. According to the Apex Cricket Council, players accumulating four or more demerit points within a two-year period face suspension.

The incident occurred at the Rangiti Dambulla International Stadium when Hasaranga confronted and expressed dissatisfaction over a full-toss decision that was not awarded.  Regarding the squad traveling to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka has recalled Jeffrey Vandersay, who last played an international T20I game in February 2022. The star Sri Lanka wrist-spinner has featured in 14 T20Is, claiming seven wickets to his name.

Sri Lanka has enjoyed a successful run following a disappointing ODI World Cup in India. They defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 in both ODIs and T20Is. After hosting Afghanistan for a multi-format series, Sri Lanka won the one-off Test and swept the ODIs. They also secured the T20I series 2-1 after claiming victories in the first two matches. Sri Lanka aims to maintain their momentum when they visit Bangladesh next month. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, it will be interesting to see how the series goes for both batters.

Pathum Nissanka will miss the series

The opening batter, Pathum Nissanka has been sidelined from Sri Lanka’s squad for the forthcoming T20I series against Bangladesh due to a hamstring injury he suffered during the home series against Afghanistan. Initially anticipated to recover in time, Nissanka’s rehabilitation has not progressed as anticipated. Avishka Fernando will step in as the replacement for the injured right-handed batter for the series. The opening batter last featured in a T20I match in January 2023 against India in Rajkot.

Sri Lanka T20I squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka.