Key all-rounder missing in Sri Lanka T20I squad for Zimbabwe
The key member of Sri Lanka's white-ball setup is still sidelined due to injury and could miss the upcoming Asia Cup.
Wanindu Hasaranga's participation in next month's Asia Cup is in doubt after the star all-rounder was left out of Sri Lanka's T20I squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Hasaranga hurt his hamstring during a T20I series against Bangladesh in July and was a notable omission when Sri Lanka named their squad for the two-match ODI series with Zimbabwe that commences on Friday.
Best of Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga | T20WC 2022
Best of Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022
That absence will continue, after Hasaranga wasn't named in Sri Lanka's 17-player squad for the T20I portion of the tour of Zimbabwe that follows the ODI matches and finishes just prior to the commencement of the Asia Cup on September 9.
It leaves Hasaranga in doubt for the eight-team tournament in the UAE, given the 28-year-old hasn't featured at any level since that T20I contest against Bangladesh at the start of July.
Hasaranga wraps up the Afghanistan innings with Mujeeb-Ur Rahman stumped | T20WC 2022
With Hasaranga sidelined, Sri Lanka will look to the likes of Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage to fill the breach in their spin department across the T20I series against Zimbabwe after the pair were included in the 17-player squad.
There is also room for speedster Matheesha Pathirana after he was overlooked for the two ODI contests, with experienced all-rounder Charith Asalanka to lead the Asian side as captain across both white-ball series.
The bulk of the T20I squad has plenty of experience, with the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka having enjoyed plenty of success against the white-ball.
Sharp Mendis work sends back Rashid | CWC23
Quick thinking from Sri Lanka skipper sent back Adil Rashid to the pavilion.
The first ODI between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe commences on August 29, with the T20I series starting in Harare from September 3.
Sri Lanka T20I squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Vishen Halambage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana
Series schedule:
First ODI - August 29, Harare
Second ODI - August 31, Harare
First T20I - September 3, Harare
Second T20I - September 6, Harare
Third T20I - September 7, Harare