Sri Lankan selectors have picked a 30-member preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers and 3-match ODI series against Afghanistan, The Sunday Times reports.
The wicket-keeper batter Kusal Janith Perera and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera have returned to the ODI squad after recovering from injuries.
Sadeera Samarawickrama who last played an ODI game for Sri Lanka 4 years ago, has returned to the squad while the 20-year-old speedster Matheesha Pathirana who is making the headlines in the ongoing Indian Premier League with some impressive spells have made the cut.
ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers will be held from 18th June to 9th July in Zimbabwe. The top two teams (finalists) of the tournament will join the eight automatic qualifiers in the main draw – ICC ODI World Cup which will be held in India later this year.
Prior to the World Cup Qualifiers, Sri Lanka will participate in a 3-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Hambantota in order to prepare themselves for the qualifying event. The team will begin training on Monday (15th May).
Squad for World Cup Qualifiers and Afghanistan Series:
Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Kusal Mendis (wk and Vice Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera (wk), Angelo Mathews, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Ashen Bandara, Avishka Fernando, Lasith Croospulle, Sahan Arachchige, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Milan Ratnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Lakshan Sandakan, Ramesh Mendis, Praveen Jayawickrema.
