New look team for Zim led by Dilshan

Chris DHAMBARAGE

The national selectors yesterday named a newlook side while resting five of the regular players including skipper Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena for the up coming Tri Nation limited overs series in Zimbabwe.

The Sri Lanka team will be captained by dashing opening batsman Tillekeratne Dilshan with promising all rounder Angelo Mathews as the vice captain.

Vice captain Muttiah Muralitharan, veteran Sanath Jayasuriya and speed star Lasith Malinga have also been rested for this tournament which begins on May 28 in Bulawayo.

The hosts Zimbabwe and India are the other two teams competing in this two week tournament. Sri Lanka’s opening match of the tournament will be against India on May 30 after the curtain raiser fixture between Zimbabwe and India. The three teams will play each other twice on a league basis and the two top teams will clash in the final which is scheduled for June 9 at Harare.

This will be the first time that Dilshan has been appointed captain of the Sri Lanka team for a one day international series. The only uncapped player in the 15 member squad is dynamic all rounder Jeewan Mendis who has been knocking at the door with some outstanding performances in the domestic scene while representing Tamil Union.

In fact Mendis was named Player of the Tournament in last year’s Premier limited overs tournament where he helped Tamil Union to clinch the title overcoming Chilaw Marians CC in the final encounter.

Also making a comeback into the Sri Lanka team is left hander Lahiru Thirimanna who made his appearance in two one day internationals against Bangladesh in January.

In addition middle order batsman Thilan Samaraweera, wicket keeper batsman Upul Tharanga, Chamara Silva and fast bowler Dilhara Fernando have also been recalled after a short lay off.

The Sri Lanka team for the tour of Zimbabwe:

Tillekeratne Dilshan (captain), Angelo Mathews (vice captain), Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanna, Chamara Kapugedera, Suraj Randiv, Nuwan Kulasekera, Thilan Thushara, Ajantha Mendis, Jeewan Mendis, Dilhara Fernando, Chamara Silva and Thisara Perera.