Cricket

Sri Lanka announces squad for the T20 World Cup 2024; Wanindu Hasaranga to lead

May 9, 2024

On Thursday (May 9), Sri Lanka announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Leading the team will be leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, with Charith Asalanka appointed as his deputy. Notably, experienced all-rounder and former captain Angelo Mathews has been included in the squad after a three-year absence, following his recall to the T20I team earlier this year.

Return of a veteran player

Mathews, the only player from the current Sri Lankan squad who was part of the victorious 2014 World Cup-winning team, is set to compete in his sixth T20 World Cup. The leadership core of the squad is further bolstered by the presence of former limited-overs skipper Dasun Shanaka, current ODI captain Kusal Mendis and Test skipper Dhananjaya de Silva.

Bowling arsenal: Pace and spin combination

Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka will lead the pace attack for the team, supported by Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara. Meanwhile, the spin department will be handled by Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, with Dhananjaya De Silva providing an additional option.

Also READ: Ireland announces squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Group D challenges and fixtures

Sri Lanka finds themselves in Group D for the global showpiece event, alongside South Africa, Bangladesh, Netherlands and Nepal. Their campaign will commence on June 3 against South Africa in New York, followed by matches against Bangladesh in Dallas on June 7, and clashes against Nepal and the Netherlands on June 11 and 16, respectively

Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2024:

Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka

Travelling reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage