Chandimal in doubt for Asia Cup

The Big Picture

Sri Lankan Test captain Dinesh Chandimal, who missed out on the recently concluded five-match ODI series against the Proteas is in danger of missing the Asia Cup after the right-hander sustained a hairline fracture while attempting a catch in the Super Provincial T20 tournament, his participation how hinges on a medical assessment scheduled to take place later this week.

In case Chandimal fails to clear the fitness test, wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella, who was omitted from the original squad will be called in as the cover.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had recalled their talismanic limited-overs bowler in Lasith Malinga. The fast bowler last played an international match for Sri Lanka last September against India when the island nation was blanked 0-9 across formats by the Men in Blue.

Another notable inclusion in Sri Lanka’s squad is that of Danuska Gunathilaka after the opening batsman was handed a six-match suspension for violating the ‘Player Code of Conduct and Contractual Obligation’.

Akila Dhananjaya, who is expecting the birth of his first child will join the team mid-way through the tournament.

“It is crucial that we have an off-spinner. That’s why we have brought in Dilruwan Perera. He has been on top of his game with bat and ball. We will put him in the big league and see how he fares although Akila is our number one spinner in shorter formats of the game. This is the reason why we have named 16 players in the squad instead of 15.”

Also Read:- Hafeez out of Pakistan side for Asia Cup

Five-time Asia Cup champions, Sri Lanka will kickstart their 2018 Asia Cup campaign against Bangladesh on September 15th.

Sri Lanka squad for the 2018 Asia Cup:-

Angelo Mathews(c), Akila Dananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Malinga, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva