Chameera to lead pace attack at T20 World Cup

Dushmantha Chameera is set to lead the pace attack as he is included alongside Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva and Dunith Wellalage in Sri Lanka’s 15-player squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, announced by Sri Lanka Cricket.

Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Binura Fernando and Jeffrey Vandersay have been left out from the squad that played against Bangladesh in March and Kusal Janith too is a notable absentee.

Chameera will lead the pace attack inclusive of Nuwan Thusara, Matheesha Patirana and Dilshan Madhushanka. There is additional support in the pace attack coming from Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka.

The spin department will be headed by Hasaranga, along with Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana. They will also have the part-time options of Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva in the squad.

All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, is returning from injury to lead the team after missing out on the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. Charith Asalanka has been named as his deputy.

Jaffna spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Asitha Fernando,  Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Janith Liyanage have been named as travelling reserves.

Sri Lanka’s campaign begins on June 3 against South Africa at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, followed by the clash against Bangladesh in Dallas on June 7, against Nepal in Florida on June 11 and Netherlands in St Lucia on June 16.

Squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (Captain), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka.(RF)