Sri Lanka have named a 17-member squad for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe starting on January 16. All-rounder Dhananjaya De Silva will not be part of the series as he is on paternity leave while the hosts will also miss the services of Avishka Fernando, Janith Liyanage, and Kamil Mishara after the three players returned with a positive result for COVID-19.
The squad will be led by all-rounder Dasun Shanaka. The squad includes Kusal Mendis who was suspended by the Sri Lanka cricket board for the bio bubble breach in England makes his return in the international arena. Sri Lanka have also included three Uncapped players namely Nuwan Thushara Shiran Fernando, Chamika Gunasekara.
Sri Lanka cricket board has confirmed that Kalana Perera and pacer Lahiru Kumara were considered for the series as the duo failed to make the fitness standards set by the board. The hosts will also miss Wanindu Hasaranga who is not part of the series.
The 3 match ODI series which is part of the ODI Super league Pallekele will host the entire series starting on January 16 The second and third ODI will be played on January 18 and January 22 respectively.
Thushara picked up a five 5 wicket Haul while playing for Galle Gladiators against Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League. While Gunasekara most recently picked up a 6-wicket haul against Pakistan A while Shiran has picked 26 wickets in as many matches.
Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Minod Bhanuka, Charith Asalanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Thushara, Ramesh Mendis, Praveen Jayawickrama, Dushmantha Chameera, Chamika Gunasekera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Shiran Fernando, Kamindu Mendis.
Standby players: Ashen Bandara, Pulina Tharanga, Nimesh Vimukthi, Ashian Daniel, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando
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