Picture Credit: Twitter
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, which will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17. The squad will be led by Dasun Shanaka, with Kusal Mendis as his deputy. The board named the squad just a day ahead of the commencement of the marquee tournament after several players were made unavailable due to injuries.
Injuries and COVID-19 issues among some of the players caused chaos and delayed the squad announcement. The pace attack looks bleak as their pace spearhead, Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara, are ruled out of the Asia Cup with injuries. The spin department has also suffered a blow after Hasaranga suffered a grade two thigh strain. Dilshan Madushanka was the latest to be ruled out after he tore an oblique muscle during a practice game.
Meanwhile, CSK’s emerging pacer, Maheesha Pathirana, finds a place in the squad after impressing in the World Cup qualifiers. Pathirana will pair up with Kasun Rajitha to form their fast bowling unit. The spin attack is unquestionably their strength, led by Maheesh Theekshana with Dunith Wellalage and Dushan Hemantha.
Sri Lanka will start their Asia Cup campaign against Bangladesh on Thursday, August 31 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. The island nation unexpectedly rose to the occasion and won the previous edition in 2022 by crushing Pakistan in the final by 23 runs.
Sri Lanka Asia Cup squad:
Dasun Shanaka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (VC), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dusan Hemantha, Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan.
