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Avishka, Dasun, and Akila make a comeback as SL names a strong 17-member squad

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Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka 2024 (ODI)

Wanindu Hasaranga is doubtful

Sri Lanka named a strong 17-member squad led by Kusal Mendis to face Zimbabwe in the home series scheduled to begin on November 6 in RPS, Colombo. The experienced Charith Asalanka steps into the role of vice-captain.

The squad consists of some top talents, including Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dushmantha Chameera, to name a few.

Avishka Fernando, Nuwanindu Fernando, Sahan Archchige, Janith Liyanage, Akila Dhanajaya, and Jeffrey Vandersay have made the cut to the final 17 men’s squad, while

Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karaunaratne, Chamika Gunasekara, and Asitha Fernando, who were named in the preliminary squads, have been dropped.

Sri Lanka boasts a decent batting line-up, with Pathum Nissanka set to open along with Avishka Fernando, followed by skipper Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dasun Shanaka.

In the bowling department, Jeffrey Vandersay and Dushmantha Chameera lead the charge, supported by promising bowlers Dunith Wellalage and Pramod Madushan, enhancing the team’s bowling options.

The spin division will rely on the skills of Akila Dhananjaya, pending Wanindu Hasaranga’s fitness, and Maheesh Theekshana. Additionally, the squad introduces Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwanindu Fernando, and Janith Liyanage, offering further depth.

Meanwhile, the availability of the T20I skipper and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is doubtful for the ODI series since he has yet to fully gain his fitness after undergoing surgery earlier. However, Wanindu is currently playing in the SLC limited-over tournament for CCC.

Fixtures:

1st ODI: January 6, 2024, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

2nd ODI: January 8, 2024, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

3rd ODI: January 11, 2024, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (C), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwanindu Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dhananjaya, and Wanindu Hasaranga (subject to fitness)

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Sri Lanka Dominates Saudi Arabia in Junior Davis Cup Qualifying!

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In the ongoing Junior Davis Cup Tennis Qualifying Tournament currently being held in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka had a great weekend by defeating Saudi Arabia 3-0.

The team showed their dominance by winning both singles matches and then winning both doubles matches with comfortable margins.

Sri Lanka won the first singles match when Ashlin de Silva beat Mahdi Al Ibrahim 6-2, 7-5.

In the second singles match, Mayuran Kubern came back after losing the first set to defeat Ahmed Baha Sarouji 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Sri Lanka then continued their momentum into the doubles matches where Mayuran Kubern and Ashlin de Silva defeated the Saudi pair 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.

In the other doubles match, the Sri Lankan duo was ahead in the second set 4-6 when the Saudi pair of Mahdi Al Ibrahim and Souhail ElFarouki retired from the match.

With this comprehensive win, Sri Lanka is now in a very strong position within the tournament.

The team will have a day off on Monday and is scheduled to play in the Championship on Thursday.

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Nuwan Thushara Set to Miss IPL 2026 After SLC NOC Refusal

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Nuwan Thushara is set to miss the upcoming IPL 2026 season in a significant setback for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) declined to issue him a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

The decision comes following SLC’s latest policy requiring all centrally contracted players to meet strict fitness standards before being cleared for overseas franchise leagues. Thushara reportedly failed to reach the required fitness benchmarks, leading to uncertainty over his participation and eventual exclusion.

RCB had secured the services of the Sri Lankan pacer for approximately INR 1.6 crore, viewing him as a valuable addition to their pace attack. However, his absence could now force the franchise to rethink their squad composition ahead of the tournament.

Interestingly, reports indicate that Thushara is not carrying any injury and remains available to bowl. Despite this, concerns over his overall fitness levels falling short of SLC’s criteria have ultimately ruled him out of the competition.

During his stint with RCB, Thushara featured in just one match, largely serving as a backup option. He made a notable impact in that appearance, returning figures of 1 for 26 with an impressive economy rate of 6.50, showcasing his potential when called upon.

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Sri Lanka Set for December White-Ball Tour of India

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Sri Lanka will tour India in December 2026 for an exciting white-ball series featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. The tour promises competitive cricket action across multiple iconic venues, giving fans across the country a chance to witness the matches live.

The ODI series will begin on December 13 in Delhi, followed by the second match in Bengaluru on December 16. The third and final ODI will be played in Ahmedabad on December 19.
The T20I series will kick off on December 22 in Rajkot. The action will then move to Cuttack for the second T20I on December 24, before concluding in Pune on December 27.

ODI Series
•⁠ ⁠13 Dec – 1st ODI – Delhi
•⁠ ⁠16 Dec – 2nd ODI – Bengaluru
•⁠ ⁠19 Dec – 3rd ODI – Ahmedabad
T20I Series
•⁠ ⁠22 Dec – 1st T20I – Rajkot
•⁠ ⁠24 Dec – 2nd T20I – Cuttack
•⁠ ⁠27 Dec – 3rd T20I – Pune

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