Bhanuka Rajapaksa Requests To Be Released From Sri Lanka Squad For Afghanistan ODIs

Published - 24 Nov 2022, 08:00 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:14 AM

Bhanuka Rajapaksa. PC- Getty
Bhanuka Rajapaksa. PC- Getty

Sri Lanka Cricket Team is all set to lock horns against Afghanistan in a 3 Match ODI Series starting from 25th November (Friday). This ODI Series is a part of the World Super League in which Sri Lanka is played at 10th position with 62 points whereas Afghanistan is placed in 7th position with 100 points.

Sri Lanka would be well aware of the fact that they cannot take Afghanistan lightly. The Island nation on 23rd November (Wednesday) was dealt with a blow as the flamboyant all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne was suspended for one year for breaching clauses in the player contract.

Chamika Karunaratne
Chamika Karunaratne (Image Credit: Twitter)

Bhanuka Rajapaksa released from the squad

The scintillating left-handed batter requested the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to get a break from the Afghanistan ODI Series. The reason is not known and SLC is yet to make a replacement for the player. Rajapaksa’s absence leaves a massive hole in the batting unit. The batter is someone who is known to provide impetus and has the knack for being the game-changer for the team.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Image Credits: Twitter)

Exciting Series on Cards

The Afghanistan Cricket Team would sense that they have a golden chance to win a series against Sri Lanka. Afghanistan’s arsenal is spin bowling as they are capable of rattling the opponent quite easily. The wrist spinner Rashid Khan would once again be pivotal to the team and there are chances that he may get a promotion up the order to up the ante as they don’t have a powerful batting lineup.

Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan. Photo- Getty

Sri Lanka on the other hand would be bothered as finding replacements at the 11th hour is quite tough. Head Coach Chris Silverwood will have to pull a rabbit out of the hat as Afghanistan would be well prepared. We should not forget that Sri Lanka had won an ODI Series against Australia after a span of 3 decades. If Sri Lanka wins the ODI Series by a 3-0 margin then their points would be 92, then would have a strong chance of getting a direct qualification for the marquee ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: “Kuldeep Yadav Aur Yuzvendra Chahal Ki Ek Number Jodi Hai But Pata Nahi…”- Harbhajan Singh

Tagged:

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ICC T20 World Cup 2022 Rashid Khan Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan 2022
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