Sri Lanka recall Lasith Malinga in the Asia Cup squad

The 35-year-old pace bowler played his last ODI against India in September 2017.

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Lasith Malinga
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Lasith Malinga of Sri Lanka. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

With September starting, the focus is now gradually shifting towards the battle for the crown of Asia’s best. At a meeting held on Thursday, August 30, Sri Lanka’s national selectors picked the squad for the Asia Cup 2018 starting in the UAE on the 15th. All-rounder Angelo Mathews will lead the side while wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera will be his deputy.

Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh in the opening encounter of the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Afghanistan is the other team in Group B of the competition while India, Pakistan and a qualifier are in Group A. Oman and Hong Kong are among the frontrunners in the Asia Cup qualifying tournament which is currently underway in Malaysia.

Sri Lanka have won second most number of Asia Cup titles (five) after India (six) and they have the record of playing the most number of consecutive Asia Cup finals (nine). The last time the Islanders won the tournament in 2014 when they defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in the final held in Mirpur, Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka recall Malinga

The 35-year-old Malinga played his last ODI against India in September 2017 and was overlooked for the one-off T20I against South Africa at home in August. The skiddy fast bowler has played 2014 ODI matches and taken 301 wickets at an average below 29. He has registered seven five-wicket hauls in the 50-over format with the best bowling figure of 6 for 38. He has also taken 101 wickets in 30 Tests and 90 wickets in 68 T20Is.

The 16-member Sri Lanka squad for Asia Cup 2018:

Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Danushka Gunathilake, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dhanajaya De Silva, Akila Dhananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, and veteran pacer Lasith Malinga. Five standby players have also been announced and they are: Shehan Madushanka, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan, Shehan Jayasuriya and Niroshan Dickwella.

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