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