Sri Lanka announce squad for T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has announced the squad for the T20 World Cup. Wicket-keeper batter Kusal Perera, who missed the series against India and South Africa, has been included in the squad.

Meanwhile, experienced campaigner Dinesh Chandimal, who recently was brought back in the Sri Lanka squad for the South Africa T20Is and played a good hand of 66 in the first match, also finds a place in the squad.

Young spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who made an impressive debut against South Africa, picking up four wickets, is also part of the squad. Spinner Akila Dananjaya surprisingly has been demoted as a travelling reserve.

Lahiru Kumara, Bunura Fernando, Pulina Tharanga are the other three players who will travel with the team as reserves.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Kamindu Mendis, who have the experience of playing seven and four T20Is respectively have also made a cut to the team.

Also, Praveen Jayawickrama, who has played a Test and five ODIs but is yet to make his T20I debut has been selected. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera, who were recently handed IPL contracts, will also be part of the team.

Sri Lanka have picked up some momentum ahead of the World Cup. After beating India in the T20I series, they outclassed South Africa in the ODIs.

The Dasun Shanaka-led side will have to go through a qualifying round to book their berth in the Super 12s. The team open their campaign against Namibia on October 18 in Abu Dhabi.

Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (C), Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrema, Lahiru Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana

Reserves: Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Pulina Tharanga