Sri Lanka‘s cricket authorities unveiled their 15-member squad for the 2023 Asian Games cricket tournament on Monday (September 18). This marks the return of cricket to the Asian Games, with the sport being featured for the third time in its history, following its exclusion in 2018.

Sri Lanka’s past success in Asian games cricket

Sri Lanka brings a history of triumph to the Asian Games cricket competition. The last time cricket was part of the Asian Games in 2014, Sri Lanka clinched the gold medal in the men’s cricket event by defeating Afghanistan by 68 runs, showcasing their caliber on the international stage.

Details of the upcoming Asian Games cricket event

The Asian Games event will take place in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, with the men’s tournament commencing on September 27. Fifteen cricket teams will participate in the men’s competition, where the top four seeds, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, will join from the quarterfinals. The group stage will involve the remaining 11 teams, with the four group winners advancing to the quarterfinal stage. The medal matches for bronze and gold are slated for October 7. Sri Lanka will open their campaign on October 4 when they take on the qualifier in the third quarterfinal.

Also READ: Nepal announces their men’s squad for the Asian Games 2023

Clash with ICC ODI World Cup 2023 leads to secondary squads for Asian Games

One of the intriguing dynamics of the upcoming Asian Games cricket tournament is its overlap with the prestigious ICC ODI World Cup 2023. This scheduling conflict has compelled cricketing powerhouses like Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka to opt for secondary squads in the Asian Games. These secondary teams will provide opportunities for emerging talents to showcase their skills on the international stage while the primary squads focus on the World Cup, adding an element of excitement to both events.

Sahan Arachchige to captain Sri Lanka’s Asian Games Squad

Sri Lanka’s cricket leadership has entrusted the responsibility of captaining the 15-member Sri Lankan side in the prestigious tournament to the talented Sahan Arachchige.

Arachchige, who was previously a part of the Asia Cup 2023 final squad, will now lead his team. His experience and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset as Sri Lanka aims to make a mark in the Asian Games cricket tournament.

Sri Lanka’s 15-man squad for the Asian Games

Lasith Croospulle, Shevon Daniel, Ashen Bandara, Sahan Arachchige (C), Ahan Wickramasinghe, Lahiru Udara (WK), Ravindu Fernando, Ranitha Liyanarachchi, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sachitha Jayatilake, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Nimesh Vimukthi, Lahiru Samarakoon, Nuwan Thushara, Isitha Wijesundera

Also READ: BCCI announces major change in Asian Games squad; star India pacer ruled out due to injury

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Sri Lanka players Jeffrey Vandersay and Ashen Bandara were stretchered off the field after an ugly collision during the third and final ODI against India in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first at the Greenfield International Stadium, and the Men in Blue were marching towards a big total when the incident took place in the 43rd over.

Virat Kohli pulled the fifth delivery of Chamika Karunaratne’s over to the deep square leg boundary and both Vandersay and Bandara chased the ball. They then chose to slide and stop the white leather but that saw them collide with serious force. From the naked eye, it appeared as if whiplash did the most damage, particularly to Vandersay.

Not so good scenes from Trivandrum.
Just hoping that the injuries aren’t serious. #INDvsSL#GreenfieldStadium pic.twitter.com/7RhrzHOq18

— Nirmal Jyothi (@majornirmal) January 15, 2023

http://twitter.com/Dwivedi1311/status/1614581280880095233

The Sri Lankan team physio came out onto the field in a flash and checked up on the pair. Eventually, both players were taken back on stretchers.

Thankfully, the immediate injuries did not appear to be quite as bad for Vandersay and Bandara though they were examined for concussion.

Dhananjaya De Silva and Dunith Wellalage were called in as substitutes for the injured fielders.

Play resumed seven minutes later allowing Kohli to reach the three-figure mark. He remained unbeaten on 166 (110), taking India’s total of 390/5.

Brief Scores: India 390/5 (Virat Kohli: 166 not out, Shubman Gill: 116) versus Sri Lanka.

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