Sri Lanka Cricket has named a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan on a home tour with Kusal Mendis to lead the side.
SLC names Sri Lanka squad for Afghanistan ODIs
Sri Lanka will be hoping to seal victory in the Afghanistan ODI series which is set to start in the second week of February. Kusal Mendis led the side to victory in the ODI series of Zimbabwe’s Sri Lanka tour after being named as the full-time captain.
To be noted, Former skipper and all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been sidelined from the squad. Charith Asalanka will serve as the vice-captain. The batting unit will feature players like Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Avishka Fernando.
Other players like Shevon Daniel and Janith Liyange will have a possibility to get into the playing 11. Sri Lanka will be planning to go with spin bowlers to match the pitch conditions.
Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, and Akila Dananjaya will find a place in the team. The spin department will also include all-rounder Sahan Arachchige, who bowled a couple of overs in the ODI series against Zimbabwe.
Dhananjaya de Silva was not included in the squad who made his last appearance at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Dushmanta Chameera will be leading the bowling unit with Pramod Madushan and Dilshan Madushanka added to the squad.
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will be playing their first ODI match on February 09 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Sri Lanka ODI squad for Afghanistan series
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.
