Following their triumph in the One Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka maintains its winning combination as they brace for the first match of the Twenty20 International (T20I) series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. While facing Afghanistan, Sri Lanka is poised to field a familiar lineup, with left-arm fast bowler Binura Fernando stepping in for the injured Dushmantha Chameera.
Sri Lanka’s cricket team enters the opening match of the Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Afghanistan with confidence surging from their recent One Day International (ODI) series victory in Kandy. As they prepare to take on Afghanistan at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka is expected to maintain continuity by retaining the same lineup that secured success against Zimbabwe in their previous T20I encounter, with the exception of the injured Dushmantha Chameera.
Daily Mirror reports indicate that Sri Lanka has enlisted left-arm fast bowler Binura Fernando to replace Chameera for the series against Afghanistan. The 16-member squad remains unchanged from the lineup that competed against Zimbabwe last month, with Wanindu Hasaranga appointed as captain and Charith Asalanka serving as his deputy.
Despite the inclusion of Binura Fernando in the T20I squad, sources from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) suggest that Matheesha Pathirana is likely to secure a spot in the playing eleven. However, final decisions regarding the team composition will be made by the captain and selectors after assessing the pitch conditions.
The Sri Lankan squad boasts a wealth of all-round talent, featuring players such as Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Hasaranga, and Kamindu Mendis. In the seam bowling department, the team relies on the expertise of Binura Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara, and Matheesha Pathirana.
While the batting unit remains familiar with the inclusion of Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, and Dasun Shanaka, Afghanistan aims to bounce back after their ODI series defeat. Ibrahim Zadran will lead the side in the absence of regular T20I skipper Rashid Khan, who continues to recover from back surgery.
