Sri Lanka make four last-minute changes to final T20 squad
Smiles have come, but not stayed on for long on the faces of members of Sri Lanka white-ball side. Experiments have been taking places for years now, and when will they find the correct formula is the biggest question mark that needs answered badly - File pic
Sri Lanka will make four changes to their squad for the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup with Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Kumar, Binura Fernando and Akila Dananjaya likely to be included in the 15-man squad, which needs to be finalised by today.
Nissanka, Kumara and Fernando are certain of a place but the selectors are weighing their options with regard to the spinner’s slot where Pulina Tharanga’s name has also been discussed along with Dananjaya. However, given Dananjaya’s experience, having played 31 internationals since making his debut at the 2012 World Cup held in Sri Lanka, the off-spinner stand a slight advantage over the uncapped leg-break bowler Tharanga. Spinner Praveen Jayawickrema, who was initially named in the 15-man squad will be relegated the travelling reserves.
Nissanka was not in the original 19-man squad, which includes four reserves for the global show-piece but was added to the squad later along with Minod Bhanuka, Ashen Bandara, Lakshan Sandakan, and Ramesh Mendis. With the team’s think-tank making changes to the team composition, Nissanka has been identified as the ‘ideal’ opening partner to Kusal Janith Perera. Nissanka did so against Oman in the first game played on Thursday which Sri Lanka won by 19 runs but the right-hander managed just eight runs off his 14-ball stay in the middle.
With Nissanka breaking into the side either Dhananjaya de Silva or Kamindu Mendis could lose their place in the squad with the scale heavy on the misfiring batter de Silva.
The two seamers are an automatic choice after Madushanka and Pradeep ruled out with injuries.
Fastbowling all-rounder Madushanka had a shoulder injury during the South African series and did not travel with the team, even though he was in the 15-man original squad. He will be replaced by Binura Fernando, a left-arm seamer who has played four T20 internationals.
Pradeep, who will celebrate his 35th birthday on October 19, injured his hamstring during the Thursday’s game against Oman and has been ruled out for minimum three weeks, effectively shutting him out of the World Cup. He bowled impressively picking a wicket each in his two over spell against Oman, giving just seven runs. He will be replaced by Lahiru Kumara, who bowled brilliantly for his 4 for 30 against Oman. His ability to generate express pace is one key reason why he has been promoted to the 15 from the reserves list.
Sri Lanka will play Namibia, Netherlands and Ireland in round one where they need to be among the two teams in the group to earn a place in the main draw.
Meanwhile team consultant Mahela Jayawardena is expected to join the team tomorrow in Abu Dhabi. Jayawardena was involved with the Mumbai Indians as their Head Coach but with former champions failing to secure a play-off spot, he will join the team earlier than expected.
Probable squad: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Kusal Janith Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis/Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya/Pulina Tharanga
