Hasaranga’s return boosts Sri Lanka for Bangladesh T20I, while Pathirana is out.

Sri Lanka T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga’s return from suspension could give his team the edge in the decider of their close-run series against Bangladesh, batting coach Thilina Kandamby said Friday.

The series is currently locked at 1-1, with all-rounder Hasaranga missing both matches after he was sanctioned for abusing an umpire during February’s home series against Afghanistan.

“I think Wanindu back into the side is a good advantage for us,” Kandamby told reporters.

“He can have a big impact… Wanindu coming back again will strengthen our bowling and batting.”

Charith Asalanka has led Sri Lanka in the series so far, hitting an unbeaten 44 off 21 balls for a three-run win in Monday’s opener.

Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana sustained a Grade 1 hamstring injury on his left leg in the second match and will not be available.

Bangladesh, who have never beaten Sri Lanka in a T20 series, bounced back with an eight-wicket win in the penultimate over of Wednesday’s match.

Home side coach Chandika Hathurusingha praised his team for their comeback win and said he was cautiously optimistic of a victory in Saturday’s afternoon decider.

“I thought we played a perfect game in the way we executed our bowling and batting plans,” he said.

“If we execute our game plan, we are giving ourselves the best chance to win the series,” he told reporters.