Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a reshuffled squad for their three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan. After a lackluster performance in a recent ODI series against Zimbabwe, significant adjustments have been made. Dasun Shanaka, the captain during the 2023 World Cup, and two other players, Nuwanidu Fernando, a batsman, and Jeffrey Vandersay, a spin bowler, have been omitted from the 16-member squad.
Shanaka’s exclusion comes as a surprise considering his role as the team’s leader during the World Cup 2023. A thigh injury during the tournament sidelined him, and Kusal Mendis stepped in temporarily before being appointed the full-time captain for one-day fixtures post-World Cup. However, the numbers don’t lie; Shanaka’s performance over recent matches has not been up to par. Clocking in only 352 runs from 26 matches with just a single century against India and one fifty later in the year raises questions about his form. His performances in the first two ODIs against Zimbabwe – scoring only 8 and 7 – resulted in him being benched for the third game, hinting at an impending drop from the side.
Looking at the refreshed squad, Sri Lanka hopes to put a stronger foot forward. Kusal Mendis will now permanently steer the team as captain. Speaking of batting prowess, the Lions will bank on the talents of Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and much-admired Sadeera Samarawickrama, along with Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Shevon Daniel, and Sahan Arachchige. This combination offers a mix of experience and youthful energy.
The spin department remains robust with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana at the helm, supported by Akila Dananjaya and the youthful prospects, Dunith Wellalage and Sahan Arachchige. As for the pace attack, it is spearheaded by the likes of Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka, followed by Pramod Madushan and Chamika Karunaratne – the latter making a comeback to the squad alongside the opener Shevon Daniel.
With the first ODI match scheduled for tomorrow, Sicicclyi5;lnka pre;ared to face Afghanistan with a rejuvenated lineup. The team’s management and fans alike are hopeful that the changes will bring momentum and positive results. The second and third fixtures of the series will continue on the 11th and 14th of February, respectively, all to be hosted at the scenic Pallekele stadium.
The squad composition puts forth Sri Lanka’s serious intent to reestablish themselves in the One Day format after recent outings have seen them struggle to find a winning formula. This series against Afghanistan offers an opportunity for the new faces and reappointed players to cement their places within the national side.
As the team gears up for the opening match, anticipation runs high. The fate of former captain Shanaka remains a topic of discussion, but the current focus is on the present composition of the team and the potential these players hold in reigniting the Sri Lankan cricketing spirit on the global stage.
Here’s the Sri Lanka squad poised to take on Afghanistan in the ODI series: Kusal Mendis (capt), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Shevon Daniel, Janith Liyanage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga.
