Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka is set to sit out the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe due to a suspected case of dengue. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) issued an official statement, revealing that the right-handed batsman has been hospitalized.
The severity of Nissanka’s condition could potentially impact his availability for the following ODI series if the diagnosis confirms dengue. Unfamiliar batter Shevon Daniel has been selected as the replacement for the series starting on January 6th.
Although Daniel has not yet featured in an ODI, he marked his debut in the T20I format in October 2023. While Daniel usually opens, it’s improbable that he will get a chance, given that Avishka Fernando and the new captain, Kusal Mendis, are expected to open.
Despite being 19, his track record isn’t outstanding, with an average of 18.42 in 7 matches and just one half-century. All three ODIs against Zimbabwe will be played at Khettarama.
Losing Pathum Nissanka is a significant setback for Sri Lanka
Even with Daniel joining the team, the absence of Nissanka will pose challenges for the home side, given his strong track record as an opener. The 25-year-old has scored 1728 runs in 49 ODIs, boasting an average of 38.40 with three centuries.
During the 2023 World Cup hosted by India, Nissanka performed well, scoring 332 runs in nine matches at an average of 41.50. Despite Sri Lanka’s overall disappointing tournament with only two wins out of nine matches, their victory over defending champions England remains a standout moment.
Batting first at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, England collapsed for 159 runs, with Lahiru Kumara taking three wickets. In reply, Pathum Nissanka played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 77 to lead Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket victory.
Squad: Kusal Mendis (capt.), Charith Asalanka, Shevon Daniel, Janith Liyanage, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga (subject to fitness).
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