Sri Lanka have handed a maiden national call-up to 20-year-old batter Vishen Halambage for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting September 3 in Harare.
Halambage is one of five changes to the squad that faced Bangladesh last month. Also returning are Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamil Mishara, legspin allrounder Dushan Hemantha, and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera. Dropped from the squad are Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeffrey Vandersay, Eshan Malinga, and injured captain Wanindu Hasaranga.
The selections come after strong performances in the recent SLC T20 League, a three-team invitational tournament. Both Halambage and Mishara showcased their intent-driven batting by hitting a tournament-high six sixes, while Mishara also finished with an impressive strike rate of 172.72, second only to Pathum Nissanka’s 190.24. Halambage scored at a strike rate of 140.32.
Nuwanidu Fernando emerged as the tournament’s most consistent batter, scoring 155 runs in four innings at an average of 77.50, including two unbeaten knocks. With Sri Lanka’s No. 4 position vacant following the exclusion of Avishka and Chandimal, Nuwanidu has been earmarked as a strong contender for the role.
One notable omission is Niroshan Dickwella, despite scoring 134 runs at a strike rate of 161.44 with two fifties. His top-order role, however, clashed with settled openers Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, and selectors appear to be prioritizing youth for future planning.
On the bowling front, Dushan Hemantha replaces Hasaranga due to his all-round skillset, including batting power and strong fielding. Meanwhile, Eshan Malinga misses out despite an impressive IPL 2025 season, following a poor domestic T20 showing where he was the most expensive bowler with an economy of 11.71.
Dushmantha Chameera’s return strengthens Sri Lanka’s pace attack, which also includes Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara.
The T20I series follows two ODIs scheduled for this weekend.
Sri Lanka squad for Zimbabwe T20I series:
Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Vishen Halambage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando.