The veteran Tillakaratne Dilshan has pinpointed captain Dinesh Chandimal, batsman Kusal Perera and spinner Sachithra Senanayake as key to Sri Lanka’s bid to trump Bangladesh in this week’s Twenty20 International series.
Chandimal scored a fine century in the final Test against the same opposition earlier this month, while Perera has amassed 301 runs in nine T20Is – at the quickfire strike rate of 128.08 – since debuting in January 2013.
Senanayake, meanwhile, has enjoyed a superb stretch of form at first-class level for the Sinhalese Sports Club – including a second-innings six-for against Chilaw Marians Cricket Club and a first-innings five-for against the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Cricket Club.
“I think Chandimal has done really well in last few series. He is learning every single game. I think it is good to give a youngster opportunity, and he is proving to be a good captain so far,” said Dilshan.
“Kusal is a fine youngster we found. I am seeing his batting in the last two series. He is a specialist at giving a good start. It is helpful for me as well, the way he goes after the bowling in the first few overs.
“He puts the pressure on the bowler. Sachithra is a very good off-spinner. It is a very good bunch. Every single game playing now is important for us before the World T20Is. We have to get prepared with the conditions and weather.”
The first T20I will get underway at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Wednesday. The same venue will host the series decider on Friday.
