Lahiru Kumara, Kamindu Mendis included as Sri Lanka announce ODI squad for Bangladesh series

Sri Lanka Team. (Photo Source: Sri Cricket/Twitter)

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for their upcoming clash against Bangladesh sees the return of speedster Lahiru Kumara, signalling their intent to rebuild the team after a lacklustre World Cup campaign. Adding to the mix is the inclusion of batting all-rounder Kamindu Mendis, highlighting Sri Lanka’s eagerness to refresh their lineup. However, seasoned campaigner Dushmantha Chameera misses out due to injury, while batter Shevon Daniel finds himself excluded after limited opportunities. Kumara’s recent form in List A cricket boasts nine wickets in his last four outings.

Kamindu secured his spot in the ODI squad on the heels of a stellar T20I performance. Joining him are opener Pathum Nissanka, who has recovered from a hamstring issue, and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige, who’s been a standout with both bat and ball in domestic contests. Despite his Test captaincy, Dhananjaya de Silva continues to be absent from the ODI setup. Notably, Shevon Daniel, part of the previous two ODI squads, yielded his spot to Kamindu in the selection mix.

Despite boasting an experienced campaigner in Kumara, Sri Lanka’s seam bowling department offers several options. However, they miss the services of slingers Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara, despite Thushara’s notable performance in the third T20I against Bangladesh. Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, along with all-rounders Chamika Karunaratne and Janith Liyanage, fill the seam bowling slots. Notably absent is Dasun Shanaka from the lineup.

Also Read: Sri Lanka celebrate with ‘timed out’ gesture to rub salt on Bangladesh’s wounds after series win

Sri Lanka’s spin department looks sorted ahead of crucial series

In the spin department, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are expected to lead Sri Lanka’s bowling attack in the upcoming ODIs. Akila Dananjaya and left-arm spinning all-rounder Dunith Wellalage also vie for spots in the XI. Sri Lanka clinched victories in both their ODI series this year, as they triumphed over Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at home. Their first away series of 2024 will commence with the first of three ODIs in Chattogram, on Wednesday, March 13.

Also Read: Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of third T20I with hamstring injury

Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kamindu Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Sahan Arachchige, Chamika Karunaratne.