Sri Lanka wicket-keeper/batsman Sadeera Samarawickrama will lead a 16-member Sri Lanka ‘A’ team for the limited-over one-day Tri-nation series with Afghanistan ‘A’ and Ireland Wolves commencing 13 April in Abu Dhabi.
The squad comprises several talented young players knocking on the door for international recognition by their outstanding performances in the ongoing domestic season.
29-year-old Samarawickrama with 78 international appearances for his country is the most experienced player in the side that also comprises left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, the second most experienced with 42 international appearances.
Nuwanidu Fernando, Sahan Arachchige, Lasith Croospulle, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Mohamed Shiraz, Dushan Hemantha and Milan Rathnayake are the others in the squad with international experience having played either Tests, ODIs or T20Is.
Pawan Rathnayake, Sonal Dinusha and Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Tharindu Rathnayake and Wanuja Sahan are all prolific run scorers and wicket-takers in domestic cricket who have been given due recognition.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ are due to play Afghanistan ‘A’ and Ireland ‘A’ twice each in the round robin stage with the two leading sides playing in a final.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ will also play a four-day game against host Afghanistan ‘A’ following the tri-nation series in Abu Dhabi for which Samarawickrama will be the captain. A 15-member squad for the 4-day match will be selected separately. The Tri-series is organised by the Afghanistan Cricket Board and all the matches will take place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
The Sri Lanka ‘A’ team is due to leave for Abu Dhabi on 10 April.
SRI Lanka ‘A’ Squad for one-day Tri-Series
Sadeera Samarawickrama (Captain), Nuwanidu Fernando, Sahan Arachchige, Lasith Croospulle, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pawan Rathnayake, Sonal Dinusha, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Mohamed Shiraz, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka, Wanuja Sahan, Dushan Hemantha, Milan Rathnayake.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ Schedule
13 April: Sri Lanka ‘A’ vs Ireland Wolves
15 April: Sri Lanka ‘A’ vs Afghanistan ‘A’
19 April: Sri Lanka ‘A’ vs Ireland Wolves
23 April: Sri Lanka ‘A’ vs Afghanistan ‘A’
25 April: Tri-Nation Final
29 April-2 May: Afghanistan ‘A’ vs Sri Lanka ‘A’ (4-day game)
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