Teen Akila Dhananjaya could be host Sri Lanka's surprise bowler at theupcoming Twenty20 World Cup.
The uncapped 18-year-old offspinner performed impressively in the Sri LankaPremier League to earn a slot in the 15-member national squad announced onThursday.
Sri Lanka's first match is against Zimbabwe on Sept. 18.
Ajantha Mendis returns after nine months on the sidelines due to injury tobolster a three-member specialist spin attack which also includes veteranRangana Herath.
Led by Mahela Jayawardene, the squad has nine specialist batsmen includinguncapped opener Dilshan Munaweera, who has a strike rate of 122 runs indomestic Twenty20 matches.
Former captain Kumar Sangakkara and seam bowler Nuwan Kulasekara, who wereinjured during Sri Lanka's recent one-day international series against India,have been picked subject to fitness.
___
Sri Lanka Squad: Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, DilshanMunaweera, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath,Ajantha Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Shaminda Eranga, Akila Dhanajaya.
Hamid Shinwari, right, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board,Kifayat Ullah Nabi Khail, left, and Etisalat Official and Afghanistan teamcaptain, Nawroz Mangal, centre, at a press conference held at the SharjahCricket Stadium, in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012.(AP)