Sri Lanka Announce 17-Member Squad For Zimbabwe ODI Series

Sri Lanka Cricket have named three uncapped pacers in their 17-member squad that will play against Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series.

Dasun Shanaka will lead the squad which is missing the likes of Avishka Fernando, Janith Liyanage and Kamil Mishara as the three of them tested positive for COVID-19.

Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva to miss ODI series against Zimbabwe

Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the series owing to a hamstring injury he sustained during the Lanka Premier League 2021. Kusal Perera will also remain unavailable due to an injury.

All-rounder Dhananjaya De Silva, who was named vice-captain of the initial team, is on paternity leave and will miss the three ODIs.

Senior wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal, who has 150 ODI caps next to his name, is also part of the squad.

Prodigious batter Pathum Nissanka, who scored 221 runs from eight matches in the T20 World Cup in UAE, will open the batting order with Minod Bhanuka.

Sri Lanka names three uncapped players in their 17-member squad

Nuwan Thushara, Chamika Gunasekera and Shiran Fernando are likely to make their international debut for Sri Lanka. Thushara picked 12 wickets for Galle Gladiators in the LPL 2021.

Shiran has picked 26 wickets in as many List A games while Gunasekera bagged six wickets for 83 runs in his most recent game against Pakistan A.

Sri Lanka Cricket also confirmed that Lahiru Kumara and Kalana Perera were left out as they failed to meet the required fitness standards.

The first ODI match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be played on January 16 followed by the second match on January 18 and the final ODI will take place on January 21. All three matches will be staged at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Sri Lanka squad for Zimbabwe ODIs: 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.

Also Read: Zimbabwe Coach Lalchand Rajput Contracts Covid-19 Before The Sri Lanka Tour