Dasun Shanaka Returns As Sri Lanka Announce T20I Squad For Bangladesh Series

Dasun Shanaka Batting - (Source : @ICC/X.com)

In a significant development, Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. The Island Nation will host three T20I games starting on July 10, with Pallekele hosting the series opener.

Sri Lanka Name 17-Member List

Former captain Dasun Shanaka returns to the side after a year since his last appearance in July 2024. Other than Dasun, the controversial figure Chamika Karunaratne has also returned to the squad. Charith Asalanka will lead the side. Here is the complete squad. 

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga

Bhanuka Rajapaksa Faces The Axe

With the return of Dasun Shanaka back into the squad, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has faced the axe as the southpaw had a poor outing in New Zealand. The 33-year-old scored just 14 runs in the two matches. 

Rajpaksa was presented a longer rope, but hasn't played a big knock for the Island Nation since 2022 T20 World Cup. 

Top Stars Set To Feature For Sri Lanka 

Besides the surprise returns, top stars are included such as Pathum Nissanka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana. Also, Eshan Malinga, who had a great IPL alongside Kamindu Mendis are also a part of the T20I set-up. 

Eshan Malinga will get to partner alongside Nuwan Thushara, and Matheesha Pathirana, who are most likely to be the pack attack for the Island Nation in the next three T20Is. 

The upcoming series is crucial for Charith Asalanka-led side as they alongside India will co-host the T20 World Cup next year in 2026 starting in February. 

---

ALSO READ

Dasun Shanaka To Make His T20I Comeback For Sri Lanka Against Bangladesh: Report

---