Sri Lanka’s squad for Asia Cup announced; Chennai franchise’s Matheesha Pathirana makes the cut
The wait has finally been over as Sri Lanka have announced the squad for Asia Cup 2022, seven days before the start of the tournament. Dasun Shanaka will lead the Sri Lankan side while Charith Asalanka will be his deputy. The squad sees Dinesh Chandimal sealing his spot, while the likes of Bhanuka Rajapaksa and baby Malinga i.e., Matheesha Pathirana have also made the cut into the 20-man squad.
The final date to submit the squad for the Asia Cup was on August 8. However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) asked for an extension due to the political turmoil the nation is facing. This resulted in a 12-day delay to announce the squad. Although SLC sent the squad to the sports ministry of Sri Lanka for approval, the government did not approve it stating that it was sent late.
Sri Lanka are in the midst of its worst financial crisis. The Island nation has faced months of food and fuel shortages, blackouts, and sky-high inflation. The multi-nation tournament was originally scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka but it was shifted to UAE due to the economic crisis in the Asian nation. The T20 tournament will still be hosted by Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is the second-most successful team in the Asia cup after the defending champions India. Sri Lanka have won the tournament on five occasions. The last time Sri Lanka was declared the winner of the Asia Cup was back in 2014. The Dasun Shanaka-led side will look to end the eight-year trophy drought and give their nation something to cheer about.
Sri Lanka are placed in Group A with Bangladesh and Afghanistan. They will start their Asia Cup campaign against Afghanistan in Dubai on August 27.
Sri Lanka Squad for Asia Cup:
Dasun Shanaka (Capt), Dhanushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka (VC), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (WK), Ashen Bandara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanidu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, Jeffery Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrenna, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Dinesh Chandhimal (WK), Nuwanindu Fernando, Kasun Rajitha
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