SL vs SA: Dinesh Chandimal returns, Dasun Shanaka to lead Sri Lanka against South Africa – Former Sri Lanka captain Danish Chandimal has returned to the team after a six-month absence as Sri Lanka Cricket named a 30-man squad for six-match limited overs series against South Africa. Dasun Shanaka will continue to lead in place of Kusal Perera.
Sri Lanka will play three ODIs and as many T20Is at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo from September 2. The series will be crucial for both teams as it will be the last series before the T20 World Cup.
SL vs SA: Apart from established names, SLC has given maiden call-up to Dilshan Madushanka, Sahan Arachchige, Mahesh Theekshana and Pulina Tharanga. As for Dinesh Chadimal, he was axed following the West Indies series and wasn’t a part of the Bangladesh, England and India series.
Dinesh Chandimal, Sri Lanka’s one of the most experienced cricketers at present, has 4,158 runs in 62 Tests, 3,698 runs in 149 ODIs including 4 centuries and 868 T20I runs including five half-centuries.
SL vs SA: However, amid contract dispute, Sri Lanka wanted to prepare a young team that will challenge in the 2023 World Cup and Dinesh Chandimal was shown the door. However, he has returned following two consecutive half-centuries in the SLC Invitation T20 league for SLC Reds.
But Angelo Mathews, who has taken a break from cricket, hasn’t been given a call-up. Notably, he has also been omitted from the central contracts. Kusal Perera, who is recovering from COVID-19 has been included while Dimuth Karunaratne and Suranga Lakmal have also been called up.
IPL 2021’s two new recruits — Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga have retained their places. The duo was added as replacement players in Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore squad.
SL vs SA: Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Minod Banuka, Dinesh Chandimal, Ashen Bandara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Sahan Aarchchige, Lahiru Madushanka (Subject to fitness), Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Akila Dananjaya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Mahesh Theekshana, Pulina Tharanga, Ramesh Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan, Asitha Fernando, Ishan Jayaratne, Dananjaya Lakshan, Shiran Fernando.
SL vs SA ODI series: All matches at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo
1st ODI: September 2, at 3 PM IST
2nd ODI: September 4, at 3 PM IST
3rd ODI: September 7, at 3 PM IST
SL vs SA T20I series: All matches at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo
1st T20I: September 10, at 8 PM IST
2nd T20I: September 12, at 8 PM IST
3rd T20I: September 14, at 8 PM IST
