Defending champions Sri Lanka have announced their probable squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. To note, senior batter Kusal Perera has made a comeback to the national squad and is set to take the top-order responsibility in the marquee event. Dasun Shanaka and Co. will have some advantage as they will some of their games in home conditions.
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Sri Lanka and Pakistan are co-hosting the mega event
The buoyant Sri Lankan side is placed in Group 2 alongside Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka are co-hosting the Asia Cup with Pakistan. The last edition of the Asia Cup was played in the T20 format, while this year, the action shifts to the 50-over format with the ODI World Cup in sight. The Asia Cup will serve as a rehearsal stage ahead of the impending showpiece event later this year.
Sri Lanka have won the Asia Cup on six occasions, with their first win coming in 1986 when they hosted the event for the first time. A good performance in the Asia Cup will give them a lot of confidence going into the World Cup. Shanaka’s side has two great spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, in their ranks.
The Lankan Lions wreaked havoc during the Qualifiers and can pose a serious threat to the opposition batters with their mystery bowling. However, there is always scope for improvement in the batting department. A win in the upcoming Asia Cup would draw Sri Lanka level with India, who are the most successful team in the tournament, having won the title on seven occasions.
Probable ODI squad (subject to Sport Ministry approval): Dasun Shanaka (Capt.), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Janith Perera (wk), Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva,Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera,
