Chennai Super Kings pacer and Indian Premier League 2023 winner Matheesha Pathirana has been rewarded for his impressive IPL season. The 20-year-old loss of life bowling specialist has been called by the Sri Lankan group for the ODI collection in opposition to Afghanistan. Sri Lanka on Tuesday introduced a 16-member squad for the primary two matches of a three-match collection in opposition to Afghanistan at dwelling. The island nation gears up for the ODI World Cup 2023 in India.
Taking to Twitter, Sri Lanka Cricket Board wrote, “SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT. Sri Lanka have named a 16-member ODI squad for the first two games of the ODI series vs. Afghanistan, starting on 2nd June.”
Notably, Pathirana, who is called ‘Baby Malinga’ for his slingy bowling motion, has performed in T20Is for Sri Lanka however is but to make his debut in longer codecs. If he will get his cap in any recreation, he might be making his ODI debut.Â
Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera has returned to the group after an extended damage break and he’ll lead the tempo battery. Batter Dimuth Karunaratne has additionally been called after he performed his final ODI recreation in 2021. Notably, Kusal Perera misses out as a result of a hamstring damage and Sadeera Samarawickrama returns to the 50-over format after 4 years. Dasun Shanaka is the captain of the group.
The collection is essential for Sri Lanka to start their preparations for the ODI World Cup Qualifier as they did not earn direct entry to the World Cup. Sri Lanka completed in tenth place in the ICC World Cup Super League, 2 locations exterior of the automated qualification spot. They now must take an extended route in the event that they must play the quadrennial occasion in India.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan collection begins on June 2 and the second and third matches might be performed on June 4 and seven, respectively. The World Cup Qualifier might be performed in Zimbabwe. It will begin from June 18 and might be performed until July 9.
Squad for the first two ODIs in opposition to Afghanistan:
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.
