SL v AUS 2022: Sri Lanka announce playing XI for T20I series opener against Australia

The three-T20I series is slated to get underway on June 7 at the R Premadasa Stadium.

By Salman Anjum - 07 Jun, 2022

Sri Lanka have announced their playing XI for the first T20I against Australia, slated to be held on June 7 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka will lead the home team, with IPL performers Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne and Bhanuka Rajapaksa also included in the final XI.

Sri Lanka's top six also features the classy duo of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, but there is no debut opportunity just yet for teenage quick Matheesha Pathirana.

Playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2022 season, Pathirana caught everyone’s attention with his unconventional bowling style, which is very similar to Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga.

Sri Lanka suffered a 4-1 defeat during a five-T20I series in Australia earlier this year. However, they are expected to perform better at home with games scheduled for Colombo and Galle.

Earlier, Australia named their XI for the series opener, with veteran batters David Warner and Steve Smith returning to the side captained by Aaron Finch.

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara

Australia XI: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood

By Salman Anjum - 07 Jun, 2022

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