Maheesh Theekshana has been included in Sri Lanka’s 15-man squad for next month’s Twenty20 World Cup.

The 21-year-old off-spinner made his T20I debut against South Africa on Friday and dismissed Heinrich Klaasen. He was also impressive in his ODI debut earlier in the week, picking up a four-wicket haul.

The other spinners in the squad are left-armer Praveen Jayawickrama, who made his international debut earlier this year, and Wanindu Hasaranga.

The major omissions from the squad were Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka, who were banned for a year for breaking the Covid-19 protocols on their tour of England in July.

With Kusal Perera’s return after an injury, Minod Bhanuka, who was keeping wicket in Perera’s absence, also misses out.

Sri Lanka will be captained by Dasun Shanaka and begin their campaign on 18 October against Namibia in Abu Dhabi in Group A, where they have also drawn Ireland and the Netherlands.

Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (capt), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrema, Lahiru Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana.

Photo: Ishara S Kodikara/AFP/Getty Images