Sri Lanka has announced a significant adjustment to their ODI lineup for the forthcoming tri-nation series in Pakistan, excluding ex-skipper Charith Asalanka from the 16-player roster. The tournament, which also includes England, offers Sri Lanka an opportunity to recover their form following a 2-1 defeat in their latest ODI bilateral series against the English. Asalanka’s removal is the result of a disappointing performance with the bat in England, continuing a trend that also saw him dropped from the prior T20I squad facing Pakistan.
Charith Asalanka omitted following poor form in England
Holding a career average of 40.55 across 88 ODI matches, Asalanka finds himself left out of Sri Lanka’s strategy for this tri-series. On the recent English tour, the middle-order batsman registered dismal scores of 1, 11, and 7 during the ODI leg. This omission is highly conspicuous because of his leadership roles during that tour; he functioned as the ODI vice-captain and later captained the T20I squad when regular leader Kusal Mendis was sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Nevertheless, his recent batting slump has cost him spots in both the limited-overs squads travelling to Pakistan. This upcoming tri-series creates a major opening for other batsmen to stake their claim in the national setup, as Kusal Mendis prepares to captain the ODI contingent.
Avishka Fernando earns recall to ODI setup
Avishka Fernando has earned a recall to the national side following a stellar run in local tournaments. He amassed 447 runs over seven matches in the Major Clubs Limited Over competition, registering a formidable average of 63.85. His return is timely for Sri Lanka, who require a more reliable batting display to counter two highly competitive global teams.
In addition, all-round option Sahan Arachchige has secured a spot in the touring party. These two players come in for Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, who remains sidelined due to a hamstring tear sustained in England. Aside from these adjustments, the selectors have stuck with the primary group that participated in the 2-1 ODI loss to England.
The team management will also keep a close eye on the physical condition of Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera prior to the start of the tournament. Nissanka, who has already been sidelined for the T20I matches against Pakistan, will only join the squad for the tri-series if medical staff give him the green light. Similarly, Chameera’s inclusion depends entirely on him passing fitness tests, adding to the selection dilemmas Sri Lanka must navigate ahead of the ODI fixtures.
The three-team tournament is set to kick off on October 18, featuring a clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Rawalpindi. The opening leg of fixtures will be hosted in Rawalpindi, after which the competition shifts to Lahore for the remaining matches. The tournament’s climax is slated for October 31.
Sri Lanka’s ODI tri-series roster: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga
