Vaibhav Tripathi
Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has made a comeback to the Sri Lanka squad for the initial two ODIs against Afghanistan, to be played in Hambantota. Incidentally, an ankle surgery had kept him out of action for seven months.
In a surprise move, Dimuth Karunaratne also returns to the ODI squad after being dropped from the format two years ago. His inclusion is seen as a response to Sri Lanka’s recent struggles in batting out the full 50 overs. However, top-order batsman Kusal Janith Perera has been left out, raising concerns about his fitness for the 50-over format.
Uncapped leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha finds a place in the squad. The spinner has been likely picked as a cover for Wanindu Hasaranga, who in turn is presently undergoing a rehabilitation programme on his foot injury. Meanwhile, Dilshan Madushanka and Dunith Wellalage have been overlooked for the series.
The selectors are unlikely to make significant changes to the 16-member squad for the World Cup qualifiers, where Sri Lanka will compete in Group B against Ireland, Scotland, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, starting on June 19. The first ODI is scheduled for June 2, followed by matches on June 4 and 7.
Squad for the first two ODIs: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha.