Sri Lanka Announces 17 Member Squad for T20I Series Against West Indies

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially unveiled the 17-member squad set to face the West Indies in an upcoming T20I series. The series will be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) on October 13th, 15th, and 17th, 2024. This selection has received approval from Sri Lanka’s Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who also serves as the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs.

The squad, captained by the in-form Charith Asalanka, boasts a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising young talents. Asalanka, who has demonstrated his leadership abilities in previous matches, will be keen to guide Sri Lanka to victory against a challenging West Indies side.

Full Squad:

1. Charith Asalanka (Captain)
2. Pathum Nissanka
3. Kusal Mendis
4. Kusal Janith Perera
5. Kamindu Mendis
6. Dinesh Chandimal
7. Avishka Fernando
8. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
9. Wanindu Hasaranga
10. Maheesh Theekshana
11. Dunith Wellalage
12. Jeffrey Vandersay
13. Chamidu Wickramasinghe
14. Nuwan Thushara
15. Matheesha Pathirana
16. Binura Fernando
17. Asitha Fernando

The inclusion of star players like Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been a key performer for Sri Lanka in recent T20I series, and Matheesha Pathirana, renowned for his unique slingy action reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, adds firepower to both the bowling and batting departments. Additionally, the return of experienced players such as Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Janith Perera will further bolster Sri Lanka's chances, providing both stability and firepower in the middle order.

Lanka vs. West Indies T20I Series Schedule:

1. 1st T20I:
   Date: October 13, 2024
   Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), Dambulla
   Time: 7:00 PM Local Time

2. 2nd T20I:
   Date: October 15, 2024
   Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), Dambulla
   Time: 7:00 PM Local Time

3. 3rd T20I:
   Date: October 17, 2024
   Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), Dambulla
   Time: 7:00 PM Local Time

A Look Ahead to the Series

The three-match series, which will take place under lights in Dambulla, is expected to be a tightly contested affair. With both teams boasting young talents and experienced campaigners, fans are eagerly awaiting the high-intensity matches. The West Indies, traditionally known for their aggressive brand of T20 cricket, will look to pose a tough challenge for Sri Lanka on home soil.

This series also marks a crucial part of Sri Lanka's preparations for upcoming international tournaments.

The squad features a strong bowling unit, led by Hasaranga and supported by spinners like Theekshana and Wellalage, while Pathirana and Binura Fernando will lead the pace attack. In the batting lineup, Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando are expected to give Sri Lanka solid starts, with experienced hands like Chandimal and Bhanuka Rajapaksa providing firepower in the middle overs.

With the Minister of Sports’ approval, the Sri Lankan team is now set and ready to take on the West Indies in what promises to be an electrifying T20I series. Fans will be keen to see how this squad performs as they build toward bigger international challenges in the months ahead.