Sri Lanka announced a 16-member squad against Afghanistan | Dasun Shanaka dropped from ODI series: For the ODI series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, Sri Lanka announced 16-member squad of its best players for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.
Apart from Shanaka, Sri Lanka have made two more changes to the team playing against Zimbabwe, with Nuwanidu Fernando and Jeffrey Vandersay missing. Chamika Karunaratne and Shevon Daniels have been included in their place.
Following the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, in which Sri Lanka finished 9th out of 10 teams, Shanaka was relieved of captaincy duties. He played only two matches in the showpiece event before being ruled out of the tournament due to a thigh injury.
In Shanaka’s absence, Kusal Mendis took over and was eventually named the full-time ODI captain. Shanaka retained his place in the team against Zimbabwe but was dropped for the final game.
The former Sri Lanka captain has faced a poor spell in ODI cricket recently, with the 32-year-old scoring only 353 runs at an average of 17.65 in 26 matches since the start of 2023.
Kusal Mendis will continue to lead the Sri Lankan side, which will be boosted by the recent return of the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana.
Sri Lanka Squads for ODI Series Against Afghanistan.
Squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Shevon Daniel, Janith Liyanage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga.
For more details, visit the official website of the ICC