Sri Lanka Announces 17-Man Squad for South Africa ODIs

The SLC, on Monday (February 18th), announced a 17-man squad for the five ODIs against South Africa. Lasith Malinga, the veteran cricketer, will captain during Lanka’s last ODI series before the 2019 World Cup. In their lead-up to find the best XI for cricket’s showpiece event in the UK, the board has dropped Dinesh Chandimal. Further, star all-rounder, Angelo Mathews hasn’t recovered from the injury – thus failing to make it to the squad. Also, senior campaigner, Suranga Lakmal is missing on the list.

New faces ready to roar against South Africa

Since the senior campaigners miss out on the list, an opportunity arises for the youngsters to make a mark. As the 2019 World Cup is not far from commencing, the SLC will aim to get their best 15 on the board. Under the leadership of Lasith Malinga, the Islanders didn’t find success in New Zealand – getting blanked across three ODIs. Meanwhile, with a start Sri Lanka had got to the series, they would be upbeat about defeating South Africa at home.

In the recently-concluded Cape Town Test, the visitors won the game by a mere one wicket. The match, however, is listed as one of the closest encounters in the five-day format lately. The star of the Test, Kusal Perera, who hit an unbeaten 153 got the nod in the ODI squad. Besides, Kaushal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, vice-captain – Niroshan Dickwella and Thisara Perera have got picked as well.

In the bowling department, Malinga will get some assistance from Udana, V Fernando and K Rajitha. Dhananjaya De Silva, A Dananjaya and Sandakan will look into the spin bowling department. Meanwhile, the five-match series begins on March 3rd in Jo’burg. The remaining games are scheduled for March 6, 10, 13 and 16.

Sri Lanka’s 17-man squad for South Africa ODIs –

L Malinga (C), A Fernando, U Tharanga, N Dickwella (VC), K Perera, K Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, T Perera, A Dananjaya, A Perera, O Fernando, K Mendis, P Perera, I Udana, V Fernando, K Rajitha, L Sandakan