Kamindu to captain SL ‘A’ against Pakistan ‘A’

All rounder Kamindu Mendis will lead the Sri Lanka ‘A team in their three match ODI cricket series against Pakistan ‘A which is scheduled to commence today (10) at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. The two teams already played two four day match series at Pallekele which ended with no decisions. The National cricket selection committee has decided to include four new players including Mendis to strengthen the Sri Lanka ‘A side for this ODI series.

This is the first time 23-year-old Mendis get a chance to lead the Sri Lanka’A’ team. The former Richmond and National under 19 Skipper Mendis already played four ODI’s and 5 T-20’s with the National team has ability to bowl with both arms. He also is a useful top order batter. He was among the runs at recently concluded SLC invitational T-20 tournament before he named as reserve player of the T-20 World Cup team.

Apart from Mendis, Ashen Bandara the middle order batter who also a fine fielder, paceman Shiran Fernando and spin allrounder Pulina Tharanga are the new comers to the Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad.

Tharanga and Fernando were also with the World Cup T 20 National squad as reserve players.

Meanwhile Kamil Mishara , Suminda Lakshan , Lasith Embuldeniya , Chamika Gunasekara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando and Oshada Fernando were released from the Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad and sent back to Colombo. Most probably they will get a chance to play four day practice game against West Indies which will commence from November 14th. Mishara was the most successful batter with two half centuries (98 each at the two four day games). 21-year-old paceman Gunasekara took best figures 6 for83 at he last four day game and both of them have good chance to enter the National squad for the West Indies test series .

Pakistan ‘A’ team will lead by Saud Shakeel, the batting all rounder have the services of opener Abdhullah Safique and Aghar Salmal two centurions of the last four day game while two paceman Naseem Shah and Khurram Shahzad were in good form during the four day games and once again expected to make challenge in this ODI series.

The second and third ODI’s will be played on November 12 and 15 at the same venue, Dambulla Stadium.