T20 World Cup: Theekshana included in Sri Lanka's 15-member squad

The squad was approved by Sri Lanka's Minister of Youth and Sports, Namal Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Sunday named a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman in October-November.

Mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana, 21, who took four wickets on his ODI debut against South Africa last week, will also be joined by uncapped left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama, who took 11 wickets on his Test debut against Bangladesh earlier this year.

Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhananjaya de Silva complete the spin bowling contingent, with Akila Dananjaya and leg-spinner Pulina Tharanga among the reserves.

Veteran seamer Nuwan Pradeep has been included as part of a pace attack that includes Dushmantha Chameera and all-rounders Chamika Karunaratne and Lahiru Madushanka.

There were no major omissions apart from Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka, who are serving year-long bans for breaking COVID-19 protocols on their tour of England in July.

Kusal Perera returns from injury to keep out Minod Bhanuka, who had been keeping wickets in Perera's absence.

Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, are in Group A and begins its campaign against Namibia in Abu Dhabi on October 18. Ireland and the Netherlands are the other teams in the group.

SQUAD Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya De Silva (vc), Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrema, Lahiru Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana Reserves: Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Pulina Tharanga

(With inputs from Reuters)