News DeskDubai, UAE – The Desert Vipers, one of the six teams competing in the DP World ILT20 tournament in UAE, have received a boost ahead of their first match against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Sunday. Their Sri Lankan players, Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana, have arrived in Dubai and are available for selection.
Hasaranga, the captain of the Sri Lankan T20I team, and Pathirana, a promising young fast bowler, were part of the Vipers squad that reached the final of the inaugural ILT20 season in 2023. They are expected to play a key role in the Vipers’ campaign this year as well.
The Vipers captain, Colin Munro, expressed his excitement about having the duo back in the franchise. He said he was impressed by Hasaranga’s bowling in the nets and hoped he would continue his form from last year, when he was one of the best bowlers in the tournament. He also praised Pathirana’s talent and potential.
Munro also revealed that 18-year-old Tanish Suri, a UAE player, would make his ILT20 debut as the wicket-keeper for the Vipers, as Dinesh Chandimal and Azam Khan were not available for the first game. He said it was a great opportunity for the youngster to learn from the likes of Hasaranga and Mohammad Amir.
The Vipers captain said he was feeling a mix of emotions ahead of the crucial opener, but he was confident in his team’s abilities and strengths. He said he did not want to put too much pressure on the players and stressed the importance of staying calm and executing their skills.
The DP World ILT20 tournament, which features some of the world’s best T20 players, started in Sharjah on Friday. The Vipers will face the Knight Riders, who are led by Sunil Narine, at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
