Vishen Halambage, the 20-year-old batter, has earned a maiden national call-up as Sri Lanka named their T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe.
Halambage is among five changes to the squad that faced Bangladesh last month and one of three new batters, with Nuwanidu Fernando and Kamil Mishara also drafted in, alongside legspin-bowling allrounder Dushan Hemantha and seamer Dushmantha Chameera. Thus, the tour provides an opportunity for these fringe players to make a case for Asia Cup selection, with all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga being a notable omission.
Hasaranga was also absent from the squad announced for the two-match ODI series beginning on Friday.
The 28-year-old Hasaranga hurt his hamstring during a T20I series against Bangladesh in July. He has been out of action since then and his participation is in doubt for the eight-team Asia Cup set to be played next month in the UAE.
Charith Asalanka will captain the side, with experienced names like Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Dasun Shanaka providing stability. In Hasaranga’s absence, the onus will fall on young all-rounders Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis to step up.
T20I Squad
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Vishen Halambage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana
