Sri Lanka has announced a formidable 16-player squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.
The Selection Committee for Sri Lanka Cricket has revealed a 16-player squad for the upcoming home ODI series against Afghanistan. This roster has received the nod of approval from the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando. Taking on the role of captain is Kusal Mendis, with Charith Asalanka stepping in as his deputy.
Following a poor performance in the ODI World Cup, the team led by Kusal Mendis made a strong comeback in the series against Zimbabwe and clinched a convincing victory in the one-off Test against Afghanistan with a 10-wicket lead. Their focus is now set on replicating their success in the upcoming white-ball series, set to kick off on February 9 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Dasun Shanaka, the former Sri Lankan captain, finds himself omitted from the squad, a decision primarily influenced by his recent poor form. This dip in performance was notably evident in the last Zimbabwe ODI and T20I series held at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
Shanaka, who previously led the ODI squad during the last World Cup but later faced injury setbacks, was given a chance to prove himself under the new selection committee in both the Zimbabwe ODI and T20 series. Despite showing promise in domestic tournaments, Shanaka failed to make an impact with both bat and ball during the Zimbabwe series, leading to his exclusion from the upcoming Afghanistan series squad.
On a positive note, skipper Mendis and Janith Liyanage displayed remarkable batting performances in the January series against Zimbabwe. The bowlers, too, were sensational, with the returning Wanindu Hasaranaga emerging as the leading wicket-taker in Sri Lanka’s 2-0 series win. While they are confident in their abilities, a white-ball series against Afghanistan is always filled with challenges.
Afghanistan, having made a mark with impactful performances in the ODI World Cup, came close to reaching the semi-finals but faced setbacks. A 0-3 defeat in the T20I series against India followed, providing them with motivation for a strong comeback.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka aims to build momentum from the Afghanistan series as they prepare for the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin on June 1.
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
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