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Chamika to replace Dasun in Sri Lanka’s ODI Squad
Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2024
All rolunder Chamika Karunaratne is set to replace former skipper Dasun Shanaka in the Sri Lanka ODI squad that will face Afghanistan starting on Friday at Kandy.
Notably former skipper Dasun Shanaka who is running through a bad pitch hasn’t fared well in the recent tournaments where he had just scored 250 odd runs in his last 21 ODI innings.
Shanaka’s recent contributions with the bat in white ball cricket, irrespective of the number of balls or situations faced make interesting reading. Beginning June 2023 he made scores of 17, 23, 1, 5, 0, 5, 1, 14 not out, 5, 24, 9, 2, 0, 68 and 12 that culminated with scores of 26 not out, 9, 7 and 8 at this month’s series against Zimbabwe.
Dasun has been under the scanner for his recent form which also resulted in him to lose his white ball captaincy in Midway of the World Cup in 2023.
It is learnt, though the all rounder was given a chance in Zimbabwe series he once again failed to impress the new selection committee which resulted in him to lose his spot in the white ball squad as well.
However Dasun has been among the runs in the domestic Arena but has contiusly failed to deliver in the international stage which has forced selectors to rethink bringing the 33 year old back to the squad.
Meanwhile, Chmaika Karunaratne, another all rounder who last played an ODI game back in November 2023 is likely to replace Dasun Shanaka in the squad.
Chamika has been in and out of the squad and his stats in the white ball is not that much impressive but the 27 year old no doubt has potential to change a game on his head at any time.
Other notable miss out from the squad that faced Zimbabwe a month ago are Jeffrey Vandersay who is said to be injured and Nuwanindu Fernando.
Sri Lanka however will be boost with the return of Pathum Nissanka for the ODI’s after he missed out the entire ODI series against Zimbabwe after being infected by Dengue.
The Selectos has given another chance for the opening bateer Avishka Fernando who had a miserable series against Zimbabwe with scores of 0,4,0.
However the squad boasts a strong batting line up with the likes of skipper Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage to name a few.
Wanindu Hasaranga will lead the spin department alongside Maheesh Theekshana and Akil Dhanajaya while young pacer Dilshan Madushnka will be tasked with new ball with Dushamntha Chameera and Pramod Madushna being the other fast bolwers in the squad.
Sri Lanka Probable squad (Subject to ministry approval): Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Shevon Daniel, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka and Pramod Madushan
Colombo | Friday, 13 June 2025 | Kickoff: 4:00 PM (IST)
Sri Lanka will kick off their Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025 Pool A campaign this Friday (13th June) at ARMC #1 in Colombo, taking on higher-ranked South Korea in a crucial Round 1 encounter.
This marks South Korea’s first match of the tournament, while Sri Lanka enters the game high on confidence, following a resounding 59-19 win against Malaysia on April 19 at the Racecourse Ground, Colombo.
However, the Lankan Lions face a potential setback, with skipper Nigel Ratwatte possibly missing the match due to illness. Sources close to the team confirm that Nigel is recovering from a fever and remains a game-time decision. His absence could leave a leadership gap as Sri Lanka look to challenge a technically sound South Korean outfit.
World Rugby Rankings Ahead of the Clash:
- South Korea: Ranked 35th, 50.77 points
- Sri Lanka: Ranked 39th, 47.99 points
The upcoming match is not only vital for tournament progression but also crucial for World Rugby ranking points, with Sri Lanka having a golden opportunity to close the gap on their Pool A rivals.
With the home crowd behind them and recent form in their favour, Sri Lanka will be hoping for a strong start—even without their inspirational skipper.
June 11, Lord’s – ICC World Test Championship Final
The much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 kicked off at Lord’s with South Africa taking early control by reducing Australia to 67/4 at lunch on Day 1.
After winning the toss and electing to field first under overcast conditions, South Africa’s pace attack made immediate inroads into Australia’s top order. Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers in the opening session, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs in 7.2 overs. Wiaan Mulder offered excellent support, keeping things tight with 3 maidens in his 6-over spell.
Australia Struggle Under Pressure
Veteran batter Steve Smith remained at the crease with a fighting 26 off 51 balls, trying to anchor the innings after early setbacks. He will be joined by Travis Head (11*) as Australia looks to rebuild post-lunch.
Current Score: Australia 67/4 (23.2 overs)
Fall of Wickets: 67/4
Session: Day 1 – Lunch
World Test Championship 2023–25 Standings (Before Final)
| Pos | Team | Pld | Pts | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 12 | 100 | 69.44 |
| 2 | Australia | 19 | 154 | 67.54 |
| 3 | India | 19 | 114 | 50.00 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 14 | 81 | 48.21 |
| 5 | England | 22 | 114 | 43.18 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 13 | 60 | 38.46 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 12 | 45 | 31.25 |
| 8 | West Indies | 13 | 44 | 28.21 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 14 | 47 | 27.98 |
Top 2 teams qualify for the final. Teams are ranked by percentage of points won. Points deductions apply for slow over rates.
Top Performers This Cycle
Batting Leaders:
- Joe Root (ENG) – 1,968 runs | Avg: 54.66 (40 innings)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) – 1,798 runs | Avg: 52.88 (36 innings)
- Ben Duckett (ENG) – [Stats not fully available]
Bowling Leaders:
- Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 77 wickets | Avg: 15.09 (28 innings)
- Pat Cummins (AUS) – 73 wickets | Avg: 24.54 (33 innings)
- Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 72 wickets | Avg: 27.27 (35 innings)
Sri Lanka’s Position
Sri Lanka sits at 6th on the table with 60 points from 13 matches and a 38.46% win rate. With one more cycle ahead before the next WTC final in 2027, the Lions have plenty to play for as they look to rise up the rankings.
Colombo, June 11 – Sri Lanka bounced back in style in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a commanding 3–1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their Group D clash held in Colombo. The win comes as a crucial lifeline for the Lions, who are now level on points with Thailand and firmly in the race for qualification.
After a narrow defeat in their opening match against Thailand, Sri Lanka showcased character, discipline, and attacking flair against a struggling Chinese Taipei side.
De Silva Shines Bright for Sri Lanka
The star of the night was undoubtedly Dillon De Silva, who delivered a match-winning performance. He provided an early assist for Wazeem Razeek before scoring a stunning goal to put Sri Lanka ahead 2–0. De Silva continued to dictate the game and capped off his night with a second assist in the final stages, wrapping up a well-deserved victory for the home side.
“This win is a turning point for us. We showed heart and belief. Our fans deserved this,” said De Silva after the match.
Group D Standings After Matchday 2
Position Team Played W–D–L Goals (F–A) GD Points
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turkmenistan | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 |
| 2 | Thailand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 3 |
| 4 | Chinese Taipei | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
The group remains wide open, with Sri Lanka now needing strong results against both Thailand and Turkmenistan to keep their hopes alive for a historic qualification to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka will next face group leaders Turkmenistan in a crucial encounter. With momentum back on their side and home support growing, the national team will look to carry this energy forward and push for qualification glory.
Sri Lanka Set to Face South Korea in Asia Rugby Men’s Championship – Skipper Nigel in Doubt
AUS 67/4 at Lunch as South Africa Dominate Early on Day 1 of WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s
Sri Lanka Roars Back in AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with 3–1 Victory Over Chinese Taipei
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