The Sri Lankan selection committee announced their squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, which is slated to start on August 30 in Multan. Veteran wrist spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who ended the Lanka Premier League as the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker of the tournament will miss the marquee tournament, along side Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara.
Since the senior players are taking part in the Asia Cup, the Sri Lankan bowling unit seems a little weak. The likes of Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan have been added to the squad to replace the injured players. Matheesha Pathirana and Kasun Rajitha will have to take the onus, keeping in mind their brilliant performances in the recent past.
The out of favour player Kusal Perera also returned to the squad after a huge gap of two years. However, the explosive player is recuperating from flu and therefore his availability for the initial games seems doubtful. Perera has a good chance to grab this opportunity since the ODI World Cup is coming, he might cement his spot in the team.
The Sri Lanka team under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka-led will be playing against Bangladesh in their inaugural match of the competition. Bangladesh on the other hand will be missing the service of Tamim Iqbal but they have declared a solid squad for the competition. They have also suffered a huge blow as Litton Das has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023. He has still not recovered from the viral fever and has not travelled with the squad to Sri Lanka for the ACC event. Shakib Al Hasan-led side is confident of their chances and will be stepping on the field with an aim to qualify for the Super Four of the competition.
Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2023 squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanaka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis (vc), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan.