Eshan Malinga Selected for Pakistan Tour; Rajapaksa Returns for T20Is
Dasun Shanaka has been appointed as the vice-captain for Sri Lanka’s upcoming T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Amidst this announcement, fast bowler Eshan Malinga is set to make his international debut in the same series while also being included in the ODI squad for the matches against Pakistan.
Eshan Malinga and Team Updates
In the ODI squad, Uncapped middle-order batter Pavan Rathnayake, aged 23, has been selected. His inclusion reflects consistent domestic performance, despite his recent form being less impactful. Notably, he recorded a List A century in late July.
- Dilshan Madushanka is ruled out of the ODI series due to a knee injury, with Malinga stepping in as his replacement.
- Matheesha Pathirana is excluded from the T20I squad due to recovery from an upper respiratory tract infection, and he has been replaced by Asitha Fernando.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s Return
Top-order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa returns to the T20I squad after missing several matches this year, including two bilateral series and the Asia Cup. His recall follows impressive performances in the recent SLC T20 tournament where he achieved a strike rate of 163 over four innings. Sri Lanka has faced challenges in the middle-order firepower, making Rajapaksa’s presence timely.
Squad Selections and Upcoming Matches
Despite Nuwanidu Fernando being a top-scorer in the SLC T20 tournament with a strike rate of 124, he has been excluded from the upcoming matches. Conversely, left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage will lead Sri Lanka A in the Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup in Doha, alongside Nuwanidu, who is part of that squad.
The one-day internationals against Pakistan are scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi, on:
- November 11
- November 13
- November 15
This will be followed by the T20I tri-series, which kicks off on November 17 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, culminating with the final on November 29.
Complete Squad Listings
Here are the selected squads for the ODIs and T20Is:
| ODI Squad |
|---|
| Charith Asalanka (capt) |
| Pathum Nissanka |
| Lahiru Udara |
| Kamil Mishara |
| Kusal Mendis |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama |
| Kamindu Mendis |
| Janith Liyanage |
| Pavan Rathnayake |
| Wanindu Hasaranaga |
| Maheesh Theekshana |
| Jeffrey Vandersay |
| Dushmantha Chameera |
| Asitha Fernando |
| Pramod Madushan |
| Eshan Malinga |
| T20I Tri-Series Squad |
|---|
| Charith Asalanka (capt) |
| Pathum Nissanka |
| Kusal Mendis |
| Kusal Perera |
| Kamil Mishara |
| Dasun Shanaka (vice-capt) |
| Kamindu Mendis |
| Bhanuka Rajapaksa |
| Janith Liyanage |
| Wanindu Hasaranaga |
| Maheesh Theekshana |
| Dushan Hemantha |
| Dushmantha Chameera |
| Nuwan Thushara |
| Asitha Fernando |
| Eshan Malinga |
