Sri Lanka Cricket has unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, notable for the absence of key bowlers due to injuries. Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, and Dilshan Madhushanka are sidelined, prompting the inclusion of alternatives.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Perera, who contracted Covid-19, is recovering and set to rejoin the team after his recuperation. As a response to the injured frontline bowlers, pacers Pramod Madushan and Binura Fernando have been included in the squad. Leg-spinning all-rounder Dushan Hemantha, with experience in two ODIs, replaces the injured Wanindu Hasaranga.
The team also features pacers Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana, along with spin options Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage. Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup campaign begins on August 31 against Bangladesh, followed by a match against Afghanistan on September 5. The squad comprises Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan.
