World Cup 2023 captain dropped as Sri Lanka announce ODI squad for Afghanistan series

Sri Lanka Cricket has named its group’s squad for the upcoming three-match series in opposition to Afghanistan. The Lankan Lions have made three adjustments to the squad that final performed an ODI series in opposition to Zimbabwe. Among probably the most notable adjustments, Sri Lanka have dropped their World Cup 2023 captain Dasun Shanaka from the 16-member squad for the series.

The different two gamers to overlook out from the squad are batter Nuwanidu Fernando and spin bowler Jeffrey Vandersay. Two gamers coming in are all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne and opener Shevon Daniel. 

Shanaka was the captain for the ODI World Cup 2023. However as he suffered a thigh damage, the all-rounder was dominated out of the event, making means for Kusal Mendis to take over captaincy briefly. He was appointed the full-time skipper of the ODI aspect after the World Cup and forward of the Zimbabwe ODIs.

Notably, Shanaka’s poor run appears to have costed his place within the group. In the ODIs in 2023, the allrounder has managed to attain simply 352 runs in 26 matches together with a century that got here in opposition to India and a half-ton later within the 12 months. 

He was a part of the group for the Zimbabwe series and acquired to play two of the three ODIs. However, his scores of 8 and seven within the first two ODIs made him heat the benches for the third recreation. 

The group boasts of a batting unit led by Kusal Mendis with Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Shevon Daniel and Sahan Arachchige fulfilling it. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana lead the spin bowling unit alongside Akila Dananjaya, Dunith Wellalage and Sahan Arachchige. The pace bowling unit options Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan and Karunaratne. 

The first ODI of the three-match series is about to be performed tomorrow. The second one will happen on February 11, adopted by the ultimate recreation on February 14. All the matches are scheduled to happen in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka squad for ODI series in opposition to Afghanistan:

Kusal Mendis (capt), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Shevon Daniel, Janith Liyanage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasarang