Sri Lanka announces ODI squad for the Bangladesh series. Kumara’s recent form in List A cricket boasts nine wickets in his last four outings.
Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for their upcoming match against Bangladesh includes speedster Lahiru Kumara, indicating their desire to rebuild the team following a disappointing World Cup campaign. The addition of batting all-rounder Kamindu Mendis highlights Sri Lanka’s desire to refresh their lineup. However, veteran campaigner Dushmantha Chameera is ruled out due to injury, while batter Shevon Daniel is barred from playing due to limited opportunities. Kumara’s recent List A form includes nine wickets in his last four innings.
Kamindu earned his spot in the ODI squad following a standout T20I performance. Joining him are opener Pathum Nissanka, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige, who has excelled with both bat and ball in domestic competitions. Despite his Test captaincy, Dhananjaya de Silva remains absent from the ODI squad. Notably, Shevon Daniel, a member of the previous two ODI squads, gave way to Kamindu in the selection process.
Despite having an experienced campaigner in Kumara, Sri Lanka’s seam bowling department provides several options. However, they are without slingers Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara, despite Thushara’s standout performance in the third T20I against Bangladesh. The seam bowling slots are fill by Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, all-rounders Chamika Karunaratne, and Janith Liyanage. Dasun Shanaka is noticeably absent from the lineup.
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Sri Lanka spin department looks sorted ahead of crucial series
In the upcoming One-Day Internationals, Sri Lanka’s spin attack is expected to be led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. Akila Dananjaya and Dunith Wellalage, both left-arm spinning all-rounders, are also vying for a spot in the XI. Sri Lanka won both their ODI series this year, defeating Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at home. Their first away series of 2024 will begin with the first of three ODIs in Chattogram on Wednesday, March 13.
Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (c/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.
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