Dilshan to Lead Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe Tri Series

Colombo: Tillakaratne Dilshan will lead Sri Lanka in Zimbabwe in the absence of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, both of whom have been rested for the tri-angular series also involving India.

Sanath Jayasuriya, who had a horrid World Twenty20, and Lasith Malinga also have been rested. Angelo Mathews, will deputise for Dilshan, who is on his first assignment as captain for an ODI series.

Muttiah Muralitharan, who was ruled out during the World Twenty20 due to a groin injury, also hasn't been picked. Sri Lanka have drafted in allrounder Jeewan Mendis, who's been in his country's domestic circuit for almost ten years but is yet to make a international appearance.

Also featuring in the squad of 15 is left-handed batsman Lahiru Thirimanne, who played for Sri Lanka in two ODIs in Bangladesh in January.

Squad Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Angelo Mathews (vice-capt), Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Lahiru Thirimanne, Chamara Kapugedera, Suraj Randiv, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Dilhara Fernando, Chamara Silva, Thissira Perera.