Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), on Friday, announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament, scheduled to begin in Zimbabwe on June 18.
Known as ‘Baby Malinga’, the young bowling sensation Matheesha Pathirana has been included in the squad. Pathirana, who recently made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Afghanistan, took 19 wickets in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, helping Chennai Super Kings (CSK) clinch the coveted trophy.
Pathirana’s bowling style has led to similarities being noted between him and the iconic Lasith Malinga. Moreover, he is set to be a valuable member of the Sri Lankan squad, who are considered the frontrunners in their quest to secure one of the two available qualification spots from the tournament.
Apart from Pathirana, Dushan Hemantha, who made his first ODI appearance a week ago against Afghanistan, has also been named in the outfit. Experienced campaigner Angelo Mathews has been ignored in the side that Dasun Shanaka will lead. But Test skipper Dimuth Karunaratne has retained his place.
“The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee selected the 15-member squad to compete in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament to be held in Zimbabwe. The team will leave for Zimbabwe on June 10, 2023. The above squad was approved by the Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Roshan Ranasinghe,” read a media release of Sri Lanka Cricket.
Sri Lanka squad for World Cup Qualifiers: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc & wk), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushan Hemantha
