The national selectors have brought back a couple of T20 specialists for the two-match T20I series against Australia which starts tomorrow in Pallekelle.
TM Dilshan has been included in the squad to play his final international series while middle-order batsmen, Milinda Siriwardana and Chamara Kapugedara have also been included in the squad.
Dinesh Chandimal will lead the side in the absence of injured Angelo Mathews.
All-rounder Thisara Perera has been included after being dropped for the 5th ODI, alongside fast-bowler Kasun Rajitha who had an impressive T20 debut in India earlier this year. Off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has also earned a recall to the T20 squad after been overlooked for the entire England tour and Australian series.
Sri Lanka vs Australia T20 Series 2016 – Let’s talk Numbers
Dilshan, Siriwardana, Kapugedara and Thisara last played an international T20 match in March against South Africa when Sri Lanka was knocked out of the ICC World T20 in India.
Danushka Gunathilaka, Angelo Perera, Upul Tharanga, Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Kumara, Amila Aponso and Dilruwan Perera have been released from the squad that played the ODI series against Australia.
Chaminda Bandara, Farveez Maharoof, Ramith Rambukwella, Nuwan Pradeep (Injury) are the absentees from the side which played the last T20I match against England where Sri Lanka lost by 8 wickets in July.
Sri Lanka T20 squad – Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), TM Dilshan, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Chamara Kapugedara, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Sachith Pathirana, Seekkuge Prasanna, Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Sachithra Senanayake.