Liyanage’s absence felt

By Champika Fernando

Janith Liyanage has been drafted into Sri Lanka’s squad for the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates, replacing youngster Nuwanidu Fernando as the selectors look to strengthen the squad with an additional batter.

Fernando, who featured in the first two T20s against Zimbabwe, endured a disappointing series with scores of 7 and 1, prompting the management to omit him from the 16-man squad that was initially announced. He will return home along with Dushan Hemantha and Vishan Helambage, while the rest of the squad heads to Dubai.

For Liyanage, the Asia Cup could mark his T20 International debut at the age of 30. The former Peterite cricketer has already impressed in ODIs as a reliable middle-order batter, and now has the chance to extend his impact in the shortest format.

All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been declared fit enough to rejoin the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury having been sidelined since July after sustaining a right hamstring tear during the ODI series against Bangladesh. He subsequently underwent a 12-week rehabilitation programme.

Though not yet at full fitness, Hasaranga’s inclusion is considered vital. Apart from his incisive leg-spin, his ability with the bat provides crucial balance to the side and his return will have him form a potent spin partnership with Maheesh Theekshana. He remains the X-factor capable of tilting the scales in Sri Lanka’s favour as they chase a seventh Asia Cup crown.

Sri Lanka is drawn in Group B alongside Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Hong Kong. They begin their campaign on Saturday against Bangladesh, followed by fixtures against Hong Kong on September 15 and Afghanistan on September 18. 

Group A consists of India, Pakistan, the UAE and Oman with the top two from each group progressing to the Super Fours.

The tournament opens this evening with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in the curtain-raiser.

Sri Lanka enter the competition buoyed by their 2-1 T20 series win over Zimbabwe. Despite a heavy defeat in the second match, the islanders bounced back in the decider with a spirited chase of 192, led by a composed, match-winning innings from youngster Kamil Mishara.

Batting, however remains an area of concern. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have been consistent, but the middle order has shown vulnerability under pressure—a reason for Liyanage’s inclusion while the emergence of Mishara offers hope for stability.

Sri Lanka’s group will be no easy task. Afghanistan, with Rashid Khan spearheading their world-class bowling attack, have matured into a well-rounded side and pose a major threat. Bangladesh, fresh from their 2-1 ODI series victory in Colombo, also arrive with momentum and confidence.