Sri Lanka will welcome back batting all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva to their T20 International side after a gap of 19 months when they take on Pakistan in the opening match of the three-match series at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium tomorrow.
The Sri Lanka team management has opted to replace Kusal Janith Perera in the playing XI, bringing in de Silva in a move aimed at addressing the persistent lack of stability in the middle order. De Silva, currently Sri Lanka’s Test captain, has been out of white-ball cricket for the past year and a half, but selectors believe his experience and versatility are vital ahead of a demanding international calendar.
The hosts have settled on a 7-4 team combination, with a final decision to be made between Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis for the No.7 batting position. Captain Dasun Shanaka is set to bat at No.6, adding further balance to the line-up.
At the top, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara will open the batting, followed by Kusal Mendis at No.3. Former captain Charith Asalanka, returning to the side, is slotted in at No.4, with de Silva expected to bat at No.5 and also operate as the fifth bowling option.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack will feature a familiar mix of pace and spin. Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara will spearhead the seam department, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will handle spin duties, supported by de Silva’s off-breaks.
The series, which continues on January 9 before concluding on January 11—all matches in Dambulla—offers both teams a valuable opportunity to acclimatise to conditions ahead of upcoming marquee tournaments.
Pakistan arrive in Sri Lanka without several of their established stars. Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan will miss the tour due to commitments in Australia’s Big Bash League. However, the visitors have named a youthful squad, highlighted by the maiden call-up of uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay.
The two sides recently faced off in a tri-nation series featuring Zimbabwe, where Pakistan emerged champions after defeating Sri Lanka in the final. Pakistan, the 2009 Men’s T20 World Cup winners, have also enjoyed a strong run at home, recording ODI and T20I series wins over South Africa before beating Sri Lanka in an ODI series.
With experimentation, returnees and fresh combinations on both sides, the Dambulla series promises intrigue as much as intensity.
Sri Lanka Probable XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage/Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara
Pakistan Playing XI from:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
Series Schedule:
• First T20I – January 7, Dambulla
• Second T20I – January 9, Dambulla
• Third T20I – January 11, Dambulla
