The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has unveiled a 16-member squad for the upcoming home ODI series against Afghanistan. This squad has received approval from the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando. Kusal Mendis has been appointed as the captain, with Charith Asalanka serving as his deputy.
Dasun Shanaka’s exclusion
Former skipper Dasun Shanaka has been notably left out of the squad. The decision was primarily influenced by his recent poor form, particularly evident in the last Zimbabwe ODI and T20I series held at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
Notably, Shanaka, who previously captained the ODI squad during the last World Cup but later suffered an injury, was given an opportunity to play in both the Zimbabwe ODI and T20 series under the new selection committee. Despite showcasing promising performances in domestic tournaments, Shanaka failed to impress with both bat and ball during the Zimbabwe series, leading to his exclusion from the Afghanistan series squad.
Squad changes
Chamika Karunaratne has been recalled to the ODI squad, while leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who featured in the recently concluded Zimbabwe ODI squad, will miss the Afghanistan series due to a finger injury.
Also READ: Afghanistan unveil their 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka
Key inclusions
All-rounder Janith Liyanage, who performed brilliantly in the second ODI against Zimbabwe, secured his position in the squad alongside Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Sahan Arachchige, Akila Dananjaya, Dunith Wellalage.
Not to mention, all the three ODIs between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are scheduled to take place at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on the 9th, 11th, and 14th of February.
Sri Lanka squad for ODI series against Afghanistan:
Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Sahan Arachchige, Akila Dananjaya, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Shevon Daniel
Also READ: Aaron Finch predicts his Australia XI for T20 World Cup 2024; leaves out Steve Smith
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