Nissanka ruled out of Bangladesh T20I series

• Avishka Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay included in squad
• Charith Asalanka to lead Sri Lanka in first two T20Is

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka’s prolific run scorer in white ball cricket has been ruled out of next month’s three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

Nissanka suffered a hamstring strain during the third T20I against Afghanistan and although indications are that the injury is not of a serious nature, Nissanka seems to have a pain in his leg.

Nissanka will be replaced in the Sri Lanka T20I squad by opener Avishka Fernando who played against Afghanistan in the recently concluded ODI series, but appeared in his last T20I, 13 months ago.

The other change Sri Lanka has been forced to make is for ICC suspended T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga. Hasaranga will miss the first two T20I matches of the series and as a backup for him the selectors have included leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay.

In the absence of Hasaranga, 26-year-old Charith Asalanka who is the vice-captain of the side gets the opportunity to lead his country for the first time. He will captain Sri Lanka in the first two T20Is against Bangladesh at Sylhet on 4 and 6 March.

Hasaranga is expected to return to the team and lead the side in the third and final T20I at Sylhet on 9 March. 

A 16-member squad has been selected for the T20I series and is awaiting ratification by the Sports Minister.

The squad for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh will be selected later as the selectors are closely following the performance of players in the ongoing National Super League 50-over tournament.

The ODI series commences on 13 March at Chattogram.