Tri-Nation Series: Sri Lanka Shanaka takes charge as Asalanka, Fernando return home

Sri Lanka Cricket Board has confirmed that captain Charith Asalanka and Fernando will miss the upcoming Tri-Nation Series due to health issues.

Asalanka and Fernando have returned home, the board announced, leaving the team without two of its key players.

In their absence, senior player Dasun Shanaka will lead the Sri Lankan side for the series, the board added.

The team will now continue the Tri-Nation Series under Shanaka’s captaincy, as officials closely monitor the situation involving Asalanka and Fernando.

Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are set to contest a historic seven-match T20I tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 18 to 29 November — the first-ever T20I tri-nation event to be held in Pakistan. The tournament will begin with Pak vs Zim on 18 November.

Each team will feature in four league matches before the top two sides progress to the final on 29 November. All fixtures will start at 6pm PST, with toss scheduled for 5:30pm.