Wanindu Hasaranga set to lead Sri Lanka in white-ball series against Zimbabwe”: Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the preliminary squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe starting on January 6.
The series will consist of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by an equal number of Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), all of which will be played at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
A significant highlight of the announcement is the return of spin-bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.
Due to an injury he sustained during the Lanka Premier League in August, Hasaranga was ruled out of important tournaments such as the Asia Cup and the Cricket World Cup.
Cricket fans are eagerly waiting for his return and his inclusion in the team is a testament to his recovery and readiness to contribute to the team.
In a move showing the team’s confidence in Hasaranga, he has been appointed captain of the T20I team for the upcoming series.
The decision not only recognizes his leadership skills but also emphasizes the team’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing the talent of young players.
Charith Asalanka will serve as vice-captain, providing a dynamic combination of experience and emerging talent to lead the T20 team.
For the ODIs, the responsibility of leading the team will be on the shoulders of Kusal Mendis, an experienced campaigner with a proven track record in international cricket.
Asalanka’s role as vice-captain adds a youthful and energetic dimension to the ODI leadership structure.
The leadership choices reflect Sri Lanka’s strategy of mixing experienced players with rising stars to build a balanced and competitive team.
Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, a venue steeped in cricketing history, will set the stage for an exciting encounter between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
Cricket fans can expect a showcase of skill, strategy and sportsmanship as both the teams compete for supremacy in both formats.
The final squad selection for both ODIs and T20Is will be determined from the preliminary list in the coming days. The management will likely consider form, fitness and the specific demands of each format to ensure a complete and competitive squad.
As cricket fans anxiously await the series, Wanindu Hasaranga’s return and strategic leadership appointments underline the emerging dynamism of Sri Lankan cricket.
The series against Zimbabwe not only provides an opportunity for redemption but also serves as a platform for emerging talents to make their mark on the international stage.
With the stage set for a captivating encounter, cricket fans can look forward to witness exciting and close contests in the beautiful cricket landscape of Colombo.
Sri Lanka Squads for ODI and T20I:
Preliminary ODI squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Gunasekera.
Preliminary T20I squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Pathum Nissanaka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Kusal Janith Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana.
Schedule for ODi and T20I Match Series
| Match Series | Match Date | Match Venue |
| 1st ODI | 06-Jan-24 | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 2nd ODI | 08-Jan-24 | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 3rd ODI | 11-Jan-24 | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 1st T20I | 14-Jan-24 | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 2nd T20I | 16-Jan-24 | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 3rd T20I | 18-Jan-24 | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
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