Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming home series against Afghanistan. Kusal Mendis, the newly appointed ODI captain, is keen on maintaining the team’s momentum after their recent 2-0 series victory over Zimbabwe.
Notably, former captain and all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been left out of the squad. Charith Asalanka will continue to serve as the vice-captain, as in the previous ODI series. The batting lineup includes regular members such as Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Avishka Fernando.
The squad also features relatively inexperienced players like Shevon Daniel and Janith Liyange, who have played only four ODIs so far. In consideration of the typical subcontinent conditions at home, Sri Lanka has opted for a spin-heavy squad, including players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, and Akila Dananjaya.
Sahan Arachchige, an all-rounder who bowled a couple of overs in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, will provide additional spin options. However, Test captain and spin-bowling all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva is absent from the squad, with his last appearance dating back to the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
Dushmantha Chameera will lead the pace attack, supported by Pramod Madushan and Dilshan Madushanka. All-rounder Chamika Karunaratne has also been selected as the primary pace-bowling all-rounder for the side.
The Sri Lanka squad for the series against Afghanistan includes 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, and Shevon Daniel.
The series schedule is as follows:
– 1st ODI, February 9: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
– 2nd ODI, February 11: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
– 3rd ODI, February 14: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan
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