Asia Cup Squad: Sri Lanka to enter the tournament without key players

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Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup have been hit by a series of notable absences due to injuries. Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, and Dilshan Madhushanka will all be missing from the 15-man squad named by Sri Lanka Cricket for the multi-team tournament. Kusal Perera, the wicketkeeper-batter who recently recovered from a Covid-19 infection, is included in the setup and is expected to join the squad after completing his recovery.

In the absence of frontline fast bowlers Chameera and Kumara, who are both ruled out due to injuries (pectoral tear and side strain respectively), the pacers Pramod Madushan and Binura Fernando have been named in the squad. Madhushanka suffered an oblique tear, further thinning the pace options. Wanindu Hasaranga’s thigh injury has paved the way for Dushan Hemantha, a leg-spinning all-rounder with previous ODI experience, to join the team.

The squad also includes pacers Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana, along with spin options Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, apart from Dushan Hemantha.

Sri Lanka is set to begin their Asia Cup campaign against Bangladesh in Pallekele on August 31. After this match, they will have a three-day break before facing Afghanistan in Lahore on September 5.

Leading the Sri Lankan squad is Dasun Shanaka, who will be captaining the team during the tournament. The squad comprises a mix of experienced players like Kusal Perera, Dimuth Karunaratne, and Dhananjaya de Silva, along with emerging talents who will look to make their mark on the international stage.

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