The batter, however, didn't feature in the first T20I on Monday (March 4) but Sri Lanka still ended up on the winning side in a thrilling contest.

"We were looking for someone to play in the top order [with the injuries to Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera]. We looked at Shevon Daniel, Lasith Croospulle and Dikka [Dickwella], but the first two are still quite young. It was difficult to pick them based purely on their most recent performances," Sri Lanka selector and former batter Upul Tharanga.

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"We spoke to the captain, as well as the coach, and they also felt Niroshan Dickwella was the best option at this time because heading into a World Cup, his experience will be useful," he added.

Dickwella has played 28 T20Is for the national side but has fallen back in the pecking order for quite some time now. In 28 matches, the left-hand wicketkeeper-batter has scored 480