ZIMBABWE V SL
Hasaranga picked up a hamstring injury in July © AFP
Wanindu Hasaranaga isn’t part of the Charith Asalanka-led 16-member Sri Lanka squad for the two-match ODI series in Zimbabwe. Hasaranga, who picked up a hamstring injury during the T20I series against Bangladesh in July, was subsequently ruled out of the ODIs against Bangladesh and has now been sidelined for the 50-overs matches against Zimbabwe as well.
The squad features the return of 25-year-old top-order batter Nuwanidu Fernando, who last played an ODI in early 2024 against New Zealand. Pavan Rathnayake, the uncapped 22-year-old top-order batter, has also been included, receiving his maiden call-up on the back of strong domestic performances.
Sri Lanka ODI squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka
Among those who featured in the Bangladesh series but miss out this time are Avishka Fernando and Eshan Malinga. The rest of the core group has been retained, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Nishan Madushka forming the batting core.
The bowling unit is led by pace trio Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando, supported by spin options in Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay.
The two ODIs will be played in Harare on August 29 and August 31. This will be followed by a three-match T20I series.
© Cricbuzz
