Sri Lanka recall Lasith Malinga for upcoming Asia Cup

Sri Lankan Cricket Board have made an interesting decision ahead of this month’s 2018 Asia Cup as they named veteran pacer - Lasith Malinga in the 16-man squad that will be a part of the limited-overs tournament. Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Shehan Jayasuriya, who all took part in the ODI home series loss against South Africa, have been overlooked for the Asian showpiece.

Former Mumbai Indians bowler, Malinga last made an appearance for the Lankans back in September 2017 against India. A knee injury, followed by fitness issues forced the 35-year-old out of action for the better part of last year. Sri Lanka have been struggling in the 50-over format ever since Malinga’s exclusion, having won just two of their last 12 ODI series.

Dinesh Chandimal, who was ignored for the South Africa series following his six-match ban, has also been recalled to the Asia Cup squad. Attacking batsman - Danushka Gunathilaka will make a comeback after serving his six-match suspension for breaching the 'Player Code of Conduct and Contractual Obligation'.

The Asia Cup is slated to begin on September 15, with Sri Lanka taking on Bangladesh in Dubai.

Sri Lanka squad: Angelo Mathews(c), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Malinga