Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Jeffrey Vandersay have been reinstated to Sri Lanka’s T20I squad
Sri Lanka have recalled hard-hitting batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa to their T20I squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies.
The 32-year-old recently featured in six matches for St Lucia Kings during their CPL 2024 title run, with a standout innings of 68* (34) in a successful chase of 202 against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at Basseterre.
Rajapaksa last played for Sri Lanka in this format in January 2023 and had been sidelined previously due to fitness issues.
Prior to his CPL stint, he was key to Galle Marvels’ journey to the Lanka Premier League final in July, finishing just behind Tim Seifert and Alex Hales with 236 runs at an impressive strike rate of 163.88.
In addition to Rajapaksa, the squad sees the return of leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, whose last T20I appearance was in February 2022.
The 34-year-old impressed in two ODIs against India in August, picking up 6 for 33 in one match and 2 for 34 in the other.
Notable absentees from Sri Lanka’s last T20I series, a 0-3 home defeat to India, include former captain Dasun Shanaka.
Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera are also missing from the squad that was named for the India series.
Squad:
| Player Name |
|---|
| Charith Asalanka (Captain) |
| Pathum Nissanka |
| Kusal Mendis |
| Kusal Perera |
| Kamindu Mendis |
| Dinesh Chandimal |
| Avishka Fernando |
| Bhanuka Rajapaksa |
| Wanindu Hasaranga |
| Maheesh Theekhana |
| Dunith Wellalage |
| Jeffrey Vandersay |
| Chamindu Wickramasinghe |
| Nuwan Thushara |
| Matheesha Pathirana |
| Binura Fernando |
| Asitha Fernando |
The three T20Is are scheduled to be held on October 13, 15, and 17 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
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