SL name youthful squad for first NZ match

By. Shamseer Jaleel

Apr.19 (Mirror Sports)

Sri Lanka has been forced to field a secondstring XV for the opening Test against the New Zealand Under85kg side on April 25, as a long domestic season, injuries, and player unavailability due to Sevens have impacted squad selection. 

A number of key players are currently sidelined due to injury and recovery, while several others have opted to focus on the Sevens circuit in Asia and the important Asian Games due to take place in Japan later this year. 

This has left the selectors with limited options, prompting the inclusion of fringe and emerging players for the first encounter The biggest setback for Sri Lanka is the absence of star winger Dinal Ekanayake of Kandy SC, who sustained a knee injury during the recent Malaysian fixtures.

He is expected to be out of action for at least four weeks, dealing a major blow to the team’s attacking strength against New Zealand, as well as the Asia Rugby Top 4 against Hong Kong, UAE, and South Korea. 

Despite these challenges, experienced campaigner Lasindu Karunathilake will lead the side. The former Science College and CR & FC skipper brings leadership and composure, while Kandy SC captain Tharindu Chathuranga will serve as his deputy, adding valuable experience to the squad. 

The opening Test at Racecourse under lights will be a crucial opportunity for new players to prove themselves against a structured New Zealand outfit. 

It will also allow the coaching staff to assess combinations under pressure. Sri Lanka will look to regroup and strengthen their lineup for the second Test, scheduled for May 3 at Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy, where they hope to put up a stronger and more balanced performance.

          Sri Lanka squad:          

Deshan Vimukthi, Pulasthi Dassanayake, Hansitha De Sliva, Thilina Bandara, Naveen Marasinghe, Tharindhu Chathuranga, Lahiru Thilakarathne, Lasindhu Karunathilake (C), Harsha Maduranga, Murshid Zubair, Diluksha Dange, Akash Madushanka, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Janidu Dilshan, Yuwan Pathirana / Gayantha Iddamalgoda, Shamika Kawshan (injury) / Venura Kodhagoda, Charith Sliva, Nisal Silva, Omalka Gunarathne (injury), Daham Hemachandra, Vidhuna Amaneth, Manilka Ruberu, Jayathu Rajaratne, Oliver Buckle.