Quetta Gladiators have strengthened their squad in Pakistan Super League Season 11 by signing experienced Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal as a replacement for Bevon Jacobs.
Jacobs has been called up for New Zealand’s national duty, which opened the door for Quetta to bring in an experienced international player like Chandimal ahead of the crucial phase of the tournament.
Why Quetta Gladiators Signed Chandimal
The decision comes as Quetta aim to strengthen their middle order and add experience to the squad. Chandimal brings:
- International experience across all formats
- Stability in the middle order
- Wicketkeeping skills as an added advantage
- Leadership background, having captained Sri Lanka in the past
His inclusion could play a key role as Quetta push for a strong finish in PSL 11.
Dinesh Chandimal T20 Career Stats
Chandimal’s performance breakdown in T20 cricket:
- Matches (T20Is): 69
- Runs: 1,066
- Batting Average: ~19.4
- Strike Rate: ~103.5
- Highest Score: 66
- 50s: 6
- Fours: 90
- Sixes: 22
Overall T20 (domestic + leagues):
- Matches: 218
- Innings: 202
Performance in T20 Leagues & Domestic Cricket
Chandimal has also shown strong performances in various T20 leagues and domestic competitions:
- In a domestic T20 season, he scored 246 runs in 9 matches at an average of 35+ and strike rate near 130
- In another T20 phase, he maintained a strike rate above 150 with consistent scoring
- Known for anchoring innings rather than explosive hitting, he provides balance to aggressive batting line-ups
What Chandimal Brings to Quetta
- Calm and composed batting approach
- Ability to play under pressure
- Experience in international tournaments
- Flexibility in batting positions
While he may not be known as a power hitter, his role will likely be to stabilize innings and guide the middle order.
Conclusion
The signing of Dinesh Chandimal could prove to be a smart move by Quetta Gladiators as they prepare for the business end of PSL 11.
With experience and composure on his side, Chandimal now has a golden opportunity to make an impact in Pakistan’s premier T20 league.