Sri Lanka Announces Last-Minute Adjustment to ODI Lineup for Zimbabwe Series – Cricket World Cup Sri Lanka Announces Last-Minute Adjustment to ODI Lineup for Zimbabwe Series – Cricket World Cup
Sri Lanka Announces Last-Minute Adjustment to ODI Lineup for Zimbabwe Series – Cricket World Cup

January 3, 2024

Sri Lanka Announces Last-Minute Adjustment to ODI Lineup for Zimbabwe Series – Cricket World Cup

Pathum Nissanka’s Dengue Diagnosis Prompts Substitution by Shevon Danie in Upcoming Series.

Sri Lanka’s cricket board recently announced that Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the upcoming series due to a suspected dengue infection, leading to a late change in the team’s lineup. As Nissanka receives medical attention in the hospital, young and talented top-order batsman Shevon Daniel, aged 19, has been called to replace him in the squad.

The updated 17-member ODI squad, set to face Zimbabwe in a three-match series, includes all-rounder Dasun Shanaka, whose presence comes as a surprise following his recent removal from the position of limited-overs captain. Despite concerns regarding Shanaka’s form, the selectors have decided to maintain his spot in the shortlisted squad. The extended preliminary team, announced earlier in the week, sees Kusal Mendis taking on the role of captain, with Asalanka acting as his vice-captain. Angelo Mathews, who had been recalled to the squad midway through the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India, is absent from the lineup.

Sri Lanka’s cricket team has seen many changes ahead of their upcoming matches. Sri Lankan cricketer Pathum Nissanka has been regrettably ruled out of the upcoming series following a suspected dengue infection. Young talent Shevon Daniel, a 19-year-old top-order batsman, stepped in to take his place in the squad.

As the team prepares for the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, the 17-member squad announced by Sri Lanka’s cricket board includes Dasun Shanaka, whose presence has raised some eyebrows. Shanaka, the former limited-overs captain whose performance has been deemed subpar by some critics, still managed to secure a spot in the lineup.

The extended preliminary squad saw Kusal Mendis taking over the captaincy role, with Asalanka acting as his vice-captain. Notably, Angelo Mathews, who was recalled to the team midway through the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India, did not find a place in the current lineup.

In other developments, Wanindu Hasaranga, who recently took on the mantle of T20I captaincy, is set to return to the ODI squad after missing out on the World Cup due to an injury. However, his participation remains subject to fitness clearance. Additionally, Akila Dananjaya, who last played an ODI in 2021, has returned to the squad, bolstering the team’s bowling department. 

The spin options for Sri Lanka’s ODI squad now include Jeffrey Vandersay, Mahesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and the returning Hasaranga and Dananjaya, creating an exciting mix of talent and experience.

“In the last couple of seasons Akila Dananjaya has been picking up wickets, and we also need a backup plan for the likes of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga,” selector Ajantha Mendis said.

“With the next ODI World Cup in 2027 we need to find a way to give players on the fringes more game time. In domestic cricket the opportunity just isn’t there to see him tested like he would be internationally.”

The Sri Lankan cricket team’s pace attack for the upcoming series will be led by the talented Dilshan Madushanka, whose impressive performance during the World Cup has earned him a well-deserved spot in the squad. Madushanka will be supported by fellow pacers Pramod Madushan and Dushmantha Chameera, as well as a selection of all-rounders specializing in medium-pace bowling.

Additionally, uncapped batting all-rounder Janith Liyanage has been allowed to join the squad. Having previously played three T20Is in 2022, Liyanage could make his ODI debut during the series. In a recent update, the young and promising Shevon Daniel was called in to replace Pathum Nissanka, who was ruled out due to a suspected dengue infection. The series is set to commence on Saturday and will be followed by three T20Is, all of which will take place in Colombo.

The Sri Lanka ODI squad for the upcoming series consists of a strong lineup featuring experienced players and promising young talent. Let’s take a look at the team members:

  • Kusal Mendis (c): Captain and wicketkeeper-batter, right-handed batsman, and leg-break bowler.
  • Charith Asalanka (vc): Vice-captain and batter, right-handed batsman.
  • Avishka Fernando: Batter, right-handed batsman.
  • Sadeera Samarawickrama: Batter, right-handed batsman.
  • Sahan Arachchige: Batter, right-handed batsman.
  • Nuwanidu Fernando: Batter, right-handed batsman.
  • Dasun Shanaka: All-rounder, right-handed batsman, and right-arm medium-fast bowler.
  • Janith Liyanage: Batting all-rounder, right-handed batsman, and right-arm medium-fast bowler.
  • Mahesh Theekshana: Bowling all-rounder, right-handed batsman, and right-arm off-break bowler.
  • Dilshan Madushanka: Bowler, right-arm fast-medium bowler.
  • Dushmantha Chameera: Bowler, right-arm fast-medium bowler.
  • Dunith Wellalage: Bowler, left-arm orthodox spinner.
  • Pramod Madushan: Bowler, right-arm fast-medium bowler.
  • Jeffrey Vandersay: Bowler, right-arm leg-break bowler.
  • Akila Dananjaya: Bowler, right-arm off-break bowler.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga: Bowler, right-arm leg-break bowler.
  • Shevon Daniel: Batter, right-handed batsman.

This well-rounded squad showcases Sri Lanka’s depth and versatility across all aspects of the game, setting the stage for an exciting series ahead.

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author
Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.