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