Sri Lanka Updated Squad for T20I Tri-Series: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday (November 17) announced that two senior players, captain Charith Asalanka and Asitha Fernando, have been ruled out of the T20 tri-series on the Pakistan tour. Both players had to return home due to illness. Dasun Shanaka has been appointed captain for the tri-series, which also includes Pakistan and Zimbabwe, SLC said in a statement. Pawan Rathnayake has been included in the squad in place of fast bowler Asitha Fernando.
"Captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando, both suffering from illness, will return home. The two players will not take part in the upcoming tri-series featuring Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe," the Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.
"This precautionary decision ensures they receive proper care and sufficient time to recover ahead of future assignments," it added.
The Sri Lankan team toured Pakistan for a three-match ODI series, losing 3-0. Following the first match of the series, a suicide attack in Islamabad prompted several Sri Lankan players to return home. However, after assurances from Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi, the Sri Lankan team continued the tour and completed the series. However, the series was rescheduled following the bombings. The matches scheduled for November 13th and 15th were rescheduled for the 14th and 16th. The Sri Lankan team was provided security by the Pakistani Army, traveling from the hotel to the stadium and receiving similar security on their return journey.
Pakistan Board also changed the schedule of the triangular T20 series. It was moved to November 18th instead of the 17th. It was also decided to hold the entire series in Rawalpindi. Previously, five matches were planned to be held in Lahore. A total of seven matches will be played in the triangular series.
Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
Earlier, Zimbabwe were dealt a setback when fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani was ruled out of the T20I series due to a back injury. His unavailability is the lone change from the squad that faced Afghanistan at home, with Newman Nyamhuri stepping in as the replacement.
Zimbabwe Squad: Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Brendan Taylor.
Tri-Series Schedule
November 18: Pakistan v Zimbabwe
November 20: Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
November 22: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
November 23: Pakistan v Zimbabwe
November 25: Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
November 27: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
November 29: Final.
