The Sri Lankan selection committee on Wednesday (February 28) announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series, involving India and Bangladesh. One notable omission from the squad that caught everyone’s attention was of the wicketkeeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella.
While Dinesh Chandimal was named the leader of the pack in the absence of Angelo Mathews, who got ruled from the tri-series due to a calf injury, Kusal Perera is expected to take up the wicketkeeping duties.
The 30-year-old seamer Suranga Lakmal will act as Chandimal's deputy. Besides Dickwella, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara have also been snubbed from the preliminary 20-man squad that was disclosed earlier.
The tournament is being played to celebrate 70 years of Sri Lankan independence and all the games of the series will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Squad:
Dinesh Chandimal (C), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Thisara Perera, Jeewan Mendis, Suranga Lakmal (VC), Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya, Amila Aponso, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Dananjaya De Silva
Nidahas Trophy Schedule:
March 06, Sri Lanka vs India, 1st Match – Colombo
March 08, Bangladesh vs India, 2nd Match – Colombo
March 10, Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 3rd Match – Colombo
March 12, Sri Lanka vs India, 4th Match – Colombo
March 14, Bangladesh vs India, 5th Match – Colombo
March 16, Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 6th Match – Colombo
March 18, TBC vs TBC, Final – Colombo
