Sri Lanka’s star batter Kusal Janith Perera makes a comeback to the ODI side after a two-year absence, securing a spot in the 15-man Asia Cup squad. However, senior players Angelo Mathews and Chamika Karunaratne miss out on selection. The squad also features left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, who returns after being sidelined since his wicketless series against India earlier this year. Let’s delve into the details of the squad and Perera’s potential role in the team.
Kusal Janith Perera’s inclusion in the squad comes as no surprise, as selectors opted to add more experienced players ahead of the World Cup. Despite his limited cricket in the past two years due to a shoulder injury, Perera’s match-winning abilities earned him a spot. While his batting position remains uncertain with Karunaratne and Nissanka forming solid partnerships at the top, Perera is expected to keep wickets for the team.
Veteran cricketer Angelo Mathews, the most senior player in the Sri Lankan setup, misses out on the ODI team. He returned to the side during the New Zealand series but failed to impress, managing scores of 18, 0, and 12 in three matches, leading to him falling out of favor with the selectors.
The rest of Sri Lanka’s squad remains largely unchanged, with players like Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Dasun Shanaka forming a substantial part of the batting lineup. Despite concerns over his performances, Shanaka will continue to lead the side.
The pace attack will consist of Maheesh Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara. Chameera, who missed the Zimbabwe qualifiers due to injury, has been replaced by Madushanka, who impressed during the qualifiers. The spin department will be led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, with the young all-rounder Wellalage adding further options.
The Asia Cup 2023 will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with most matches taking place in Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17. Sri Lanka’s opening fixture will be against Bangladesh in Kandy, followed by a clash against Afghanistan in Lahore on September 5 as their final group game.
Probable ODI squad (subject to Sport Ministry approval): Dasun Shanaka (Capt.), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Janith Perera (wk), Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva,Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera,
Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana.
