Udawatte recalled for T20 vs Pakistan

The national selectors yesterday recalled opening batsman Mahela Udawatte for the Sri Lanka team ahead of the only Twenty20 International against the touring Pakistan team which will be worked off tomorrow under lights at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The 23-year-old aggressive left hander has been among the runs in the domestic scene and also made an attractive 47 for the Sri Lanka Development XI in the second innings during their three day practice match against the visiting New Zealand side at the Colts CC ground in Havelock Park.

Udawatte is likely to partner Sanath Jayasuriya in the absence of Tillekeatne Dilshan who is still recovering from an injury, which he sustained during the concluded Test series which the home side won 2 nil.

Udawatte made his Twenty20 International debut during the Canada Cup tournament last year and has so far represented the country in three matches against Pakistan (2) and Zimbabwe (1).

This match will also be a repeat of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup tournament final worked off in England in June where Sri Lanka emerged as the runners up.

The Sri Lanka team: Kumar Sangakkara (Captain), Muthiha Muralidharan (Vice Captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Mahela Udawatta, Mahela Jayawardana, Chamara Kapugedara, Thilina Kandamby, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis, Malinga Bandara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Isuru Udana and Thilan Thushara Mirando.

Officials: Brendon Kuruppu (Manager), Trevor Bayliss (Coach), Paul Farbrace (Assistant Coach), Tommy Simsek (Physiotherapist), Jade Roberts (Trainer), Nalin De Alwis (Computer Analyst), Lal Thamel (Masseur), Chandika Haturusinghe (Shadow Coach) and Manoj Abeywickrama (Fielding Coach). C.D.