Image Credit- AFP
Lahiru Kumara, the
fast bowler, has returned to the ODI XI, while Kamindu Mendis, the batting
all-around, is included in the team as Sri Lanka looks to continue their
recovery from a dismal World Cup matchup against Bangladesh. Experienced seamer
Dushmantha Chameera, who is sidelined due to injury, and batsman Shevon Daniel,
who was included in Sri Lanka’s previous two ODI squads but has only
participated in one match, are absent from the squad.
With nine wickets in his last four List A games, Kumara has been in quite good
form in domestic cricket. Kamindu impressed in the Twenty20 Internationals and
was added to the ODI team.
Opening batsman
Pathum Nissanka, who has fully healed from a hamstring ailment, and
offspin-bowling all-rounder Sahan Arachchige, who has been enjoying a
successful domestic season at bat, are also included in this team. The ODI team
does not include Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva, while Daniel, who was
included in the previous two ODI selections, has been replaced by Kamindu.
Although Sri Lanka
has many seam possibilities, Kumara is the most experienced quick in the
attack. However, they lack the slingers Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara,
the latter of whom was excellent in the third Twenty20 International against
Bangladesh. Instead, they have Janth Liyanage, Chamika Karunaratne, and left
armer Dilshan Madushanka as well as all-around players Pramod Madushan. No
Dasun Shanaka exists.
Regarding spin, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are anticipated to be
the bowlers most likely to be included in the playing XI, while left-arm
spinning all-rounder Dunith Wellalage and Akila Dananjaya are also contenders.
Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (capt.)(wk), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando,
Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga,
Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan
Madushanka, Kamindu Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Sahan Arachchige, Chamika
Karunaratne