Thikshila de Silva named in Sri Lanka T20I squad

Sri Lanka, on Wednesday (January 11), named the 15-member squad for the Twenty20 Internationals series against South Africa which includes one fresh entrant, Thikshila de Silva, and few on the comeback like Isuru Udana.

For the 23-year-old de Silva, a batting all-rounder who also bowls fast-medium, this is the maiden call-up to the national side. The side will be led by Angelo Mathews while still missing their talisman, Lasith Malinga, who has been ruled out of the series.

Along with Udana, Nuwan Kulasekara will also be making a comeback to the squad while Seekuge Prasanna who has earned a reputation of being a big-hitter along with his primary skill of legspin has also been added.

Dinesh Chandimal, who led the team in the absence of Mathews and Malinga, against Australia, will be Mathews’ deputy. The squad contains five members of the squad that is playing the Test series in South Africa. The first of the three T20Is begins on January 20 in Centurion.

Sri Lanka T20I squad: Angelo Mathews (c), Dinesh Chandimal (vc), Danushka Gunathilaka, Seekuge Prasanna, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Asela Gunarathna, Sachith Pathirana, Lakshan Sadakan, Thikshila de Silva, Nuwan Kulasekara.