Sri Lanka announce their playing XI for 1st T20I against Australia

Sri Lanka have announced their playing XI for the first T20I to be played against Australia at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on June 7 (Tuesday). Both cricketing nations will play a total of three T20I matches, before playing five ODI matches and then two Tests.

The Sri Lanka team management has selected a balanced playing XI for the first T20I with talented batter Pathum Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka to start the proceedings with the bat. The left-handed batter Charith Asalanka will hold the number three position and the senior batter Kusal Mendis will come out to bat at number four.

Skipper Dasun Shanaka will perform the finishing duties

Bhanuka Rajapaksa who had an excellent outing during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 will try to give a solid finish to the Sri Lanka side with the bat. The left-handed batter had played some short but impactful innings during his stint with the Punjab Kings. Similarly, skipper Dasun Shanaka will have to shoulder the responsibility of finishing the innings with the bat.

Here's your playing XI for the 1st T20I against Australia! 🇱🇰⚔️🇦🇺#SLvAUS #CheerForLions pic.twitter.com/LIZTh6kmT8

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 7, 2022

In the bowling department, the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL Wanindu Hasaranga will lead the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Apart from that, Maheesh Theekshana who also had a good outing in the toughest franchise-based league in the world will try to scalp some crucial wickets for his side.

Express pacer Dushmantha Chameera will lead the pace attack for the home team, with Chamika Karunaratne and youngster Nuwan Thushara being the other pacers. Australia have also already announced their playing XI for the series opener and have backed their quicks to come good in this game. With rain around, there is a chance for the quicks to get some help from the surface.

Sri Lanka playing XI for the first T20I against Australia: Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Nuwan Thusara