Eshan Malinga handed maiden T20I call-up for Bangladesh series

Eshan Malinga has been called up to the Sri Lnaka T20I squad for the first time while Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Krunaratne, and Dunith Wellalage have been recalled to the squad for the series against Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a 17-member squad on Monday (July 7), with Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asitha Fernando and Chamindu Wickramasinghe being the players to miss out from Sri Lanka's last outing in T20Is against New Zealand over six months ago.

Malinga has played 27 T20 matches in his career so far with 40 wickets to his name, at an average of 18.22. The fast-bowler was also one of Sunrisers Hyderabad's brighter sparks in a difficult campaign in the IPL earlier this year. He picked up seven wickets in 13 matches at a strike-rate of 12.31.

The rest of the squad is on similar lines with Charith Asalanka leading the side. With the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka just over six months away, the three-match series will allow both teams to begin preparations for the mega tournament.

The series will be played from July 10 to July 16 in Pallekele, Dambulla and culminate in Colombo.

Sri Lanka T20I Squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Eshan Malinga