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Sri Lanka Finalize T20 WC Squad: Shanaka Leads, Malinga & Kamindu Mendis In

Sri Lanka has announced its final 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with all-rounder Dasun Shanaka confirmed as captain. The squad sees the inclusion of pace bowler Eshan Malinga, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, and batter Kamindu Mendis. The team boasts a mix of experienced players like Kusal Perera and Charith Asalanka alongside emerging talents such as Kamil Mishara. Sri Lanka, the 2014 champions, will begin their campaign against Ireland on February 8 in Colombo.

Key Points: Sri Lanka T20 World Cup Final Squad Announced

  • Dasun Shanaka to captain
  • Eshan Malinga included despite injury
  • Kamindu Mendis makes final cut
  • Squad blends experience and youth
2 min read

Sri Lanka announce final T20 WC squad; Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis included

Sri Lanka announces final squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup, led by Dasun Shanaka. Key inclusions are Eshan Malinga and Kamindu Mendis.

"A red-hot Nissanka and an emerging Kamil Mishara will be crucial to the team's fortunes with the bat - Report"

Colombo, February 2

All-rounder Dasun Shanaka will lead a strong Sri Lankan side for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with key players including Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera and Charith Asalanka.

After the preliminary squad was announced in December, Sri Lanka has today released its final squad, per the ICC, with batter Kamindu Mendis making the cut, and so does pacer Eshan Malinga, who injured his shoulder during the 2nd T20I against England and will miss Tuesday's final T20I at Pallekele.

A red-hot Nissanka and an emerging Kamil Mishara will be crucial to the team's fortunes with the bat, while Kusal and Charith will also offer loads of experience, firepower and stability.

In the all-round department, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage offer balance with their capabilities with bat and ball. The bowling unit boasts of variety, be it express pacer Dushmantha Chameera or Matheesha Pathirana's slingy action, with mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana also set to form a formidable spin duo with Wanindu.

The island nation won the tournament back in 2014, when they defeated India in the final to lift the title.

Sri Lanka's group stage fixtures:February 8: v Ireland, Colombo

February 12: v Oman, Pallekele

February 16: v Australia, Pallekele

February 19: v Zimbabwe, Colombo

Sri Lanka T20 World Cup squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Strong batting line-up with Nissanka and the two Kusals. Their spin attack with Hasaranga and Theekshana is world-class. As an Indian fan, I remember the 2014 final... still hurts! But may the best team win this time. 🤝
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David E
Interesting squad. The inclusion of young Kamil Mishara shows they're building for the future. The group stage match against Australia on Feb 16 will be the real test. Pathirana's action is always fun to watch!
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Ananya R
Good to see Kamindu Mendis getting his due. He's been consistent in domestic cricket. But honestly, I feel the pace bowling looks a bit thin if Malinga isn't 100%. Chameera needs to lead the attack well. All the best!
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Siddharth J
Shanaka is a good leader. The team has a nice mix of youth and experience. Their first match is against Ireland... should be a comfortable win to start the campaign. Hope the tournament is a cracker! 🎯
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Nisha Z
Respectfully, I think the selectors have played it too safe. Where's the X-factor player? The squad looks good on paper but might lack the firepower in crunch games against teams like England or India. Just my two paise.

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