Dasun Shanaka to Lead Sri Lanka in T20I Tri-Series
Sri Lanka will be captained by Dasun Shanaka in the upcoming T20I tri-series in Pakistan after Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando withdrew due to illness. The tournament features Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe, with matches beginning on November 20 in Rawalpindi.
Late Squad Changes for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that Asalanka and Fernando will return home for treatment, missing the three-nation T20I tri-series. Team management and medical staff advised their precautionary withdrawal to ensure proper recovery ahead of future commitments.
In Asalanka’s absence, former white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka has been entrusted with leadership responsibilities for the tri-series.
Replacements and Squad Updates
The SLC selectors have included Pavan Rathnayake and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth as replacements. Viyaskanth joins the squad from Qatar, where he represented Sri Lanka A in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, stepping in while Wanindu Hasaranga recovers from hamstring tightness suffered during the recent ODI leg of the tour.
These late changes ensure that Sri Lanka remains competitive despite key players being sidelined due to injury and illness.
Tri-Series Fixtures and Schedule Adjustments
Sri Lanka will kick off their tri-series campaign against Zimbabwe on November 20 in Rawalpindi. Following a suicide bombing in Islamabad, some players raised safety concerns. The SLC engaged with PCB and local authorities to confirm that adequate security measures were in place, allowing the team to proceed with the tour.
The ODI series preceding the tri-series also saw schedule changes: the second and third ODIs were moved to November 14 and 16, from their original dates of November 13 and 15. The tri-series itself was postponed from November 17 to November 18.
Leadership and Team Outlook
With Dasun Shanaka taking charge, Sri Lanka aims to maintain stability and performance in the tri-series despite the absence of its original captain. Shanaka’s experience in white-ball cricket is expected to guide the young squad, including newcomers Rathnayake and Viyaskanth.
Sri Lanka’s management remains focused on player welfare and strategic planning, balancing recovery periods with international commitments to ensure peak performance in upcoming tournaments.
Looking Ahead
The T20I tri-series in Pakistan offers a competitive platform for Sri Lanka to test its bench strength and build momentum ahead of future international fixtures. With strong leadership under Shanaka and a mix of experienced and young players, the team hopes to perform consistently and overcome the challenges posed by late squad changes.
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