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Key Points

Sri Lanka has announced a 16-member squad for their upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe, marking significant changes due to Wanindu Hasaranga's injury. The team includes two uncapped players and sees the return of Sadeera Samarawickrama after a long break from ODI cricket. Captain Charith Asalanka will lead the side in two matches starting August 29 in Harare. The squad reflects a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, aiming to build on their recent series win against Bangladesh.

Key Points: Sri Lanka ODI Squad Hasaranga Injury Reshapes Zimbabwe Tour

  • Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out due to hamstring injury from Bangladesh T20Is
  • Two uncapped batters Pavan Rathnayake and Nuwanidu Fernando get maiden call-up
  • Sadeera Samarawickrama returns after long ODI absence
  • Squad balances experienced and young talents for Zimbabwe tour
2 min read

No Hasaranga as Sri Lanka name 16-member squad for ODIs against Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka names 16-member squad for Zimbabwe ODIs, with key changes due to Wanindu Hasaranga's hamstring injury and new player call-ups.

No Hasaranga as Sri Lanka name 16-member squad for ODIs against Zimbabwe
"The team is ready to continue our momentum from the Bangladesh series - Charith Asalanka, Team Captain"

Colombo, Aug 21

Leg-spin bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has not been included in Sri Lanka's 16-member squad for their upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe in Harare. Hasaranga had picked up a hamstring injury during the T20I series against Bangladesh back in July and has been recovering since then, thus leading to his exclusion from the squad for two ODIs against Zimbabwe.

In his absence, Jeffrey Vandersay and Maheesh Theekshana will share specialist spin-bowling duties, with all-rounders Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, and skipper Charith Asalanka to chip in as well.

Sri Lanka have handed a maiden call-up to top-order batters, the uncapped Pavan Rathnayake and Nuwanidu Fernando, who have played only five ODIs and one T20I so far. Batter Sadeera Samarawickrama has also earned a recall after last playing ODIs in November 2024.

The fast bowling department will be taken care of by Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, and all-rounder Milan Rathnayake, while Avishka Fernando and Eshan Malinga missed out on selection for the ODI games in Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka will be touring Zimbabwe for two ODIs and three T20Is, starting with the first ODI on August 29 in Harare, with the second game to happen two days later. The Asalanka-led side are returning to ODI action on the back of a 2-1 series win against Bangladesh last month at home.

The Sri Lanka squad for T20Is will come at a later date. Sri Lanka last toured Zimbabwe for a white-ball series in November 2008. After this, the side will take part in the Men's T20 Asia Cup T20, to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9-28.

Sri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dilshan Madushanka

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see new talent getting opportunities. Pavan Rathnayake and Nuwanidu Fernando deserve their chances. Zimbabwe tour is perfect for testing bench strength before bigger tournaments.
A
Arjun K
Bowling looks decent with Theekshana and Vandersay, but batting seems a bit inexperienced. Hope they don't underestimate Zimbabwe at home conditions.
S
Sarah B
Smart move to rest Hasaranga for this series. Better to have him fully fit for Asia Cup which is more important. Zimbabwe ODIs should be manageable without him.
V
Vikram M
Surprised to see Avishka Fernando left out. He's been inconsistent but has match-winning ability. Hope the new players grab this opportunity with both hands.
K
Karthik V
Good squad overall. Pace attack looks strong with Chameera and Madushanka. Hope they use this series to build momentum for Asia Cup. SL cricket needs some positive results! 🇱🇰

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