Jeevan Mendis last played for Sri Lanka during the 2015 World Cup

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

All-rounder Jeevan Mendis is back in Sri Lanka’s Twenty20 squad after more than four years as he was selected for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh.

Mendis last played in a Twenty20 International in August 2013, while his last match for Sri Lanka came during the 2015 World Cup.

Mendis’ inclusion in the squad means there was no place for leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.

Uncapped pace bowler Asitha Fernando also made the cut, along with Jeffrey Vandersay and Shehan Madushanka, who took a superb hat-trick in his ODI debut, which came during the ODI tri-series final against Bangladesh last month.

Isuru Udana is also back in the side, but Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chaturanga de Silva and Sachith Pathirana were all dropped.

Pace bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep are nursing minor injuries, while seamer Suranga Lakmal has been rested.

With limited overs captain Angelo Mathews having been ruled out of the series with a hamstring injury, Dinesh Chandimal will take over as skipper.

The first Twenty20 International will be held in Dhaka on February 15, while the second match will be played in Sylhet three days later.

Sri Lanka’s T20 Squad: Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Thisara Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Isuru Udana, Shehan Madushanka, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, Amila Aponso, Jeevan Mendis, Asitha Fernando