The Sri Lanka Men’s ODI squad for the upcoming 3-match ODI series against Bangladesh, which will be commencing on 23rd May, has been officially announced.
Kusal Janith Perera has been appointed skipper of the Sri Lanka ODI team replacing Dimuth Karunaratne while Kusal Mendis has been named as Perera’s deputy.
Senior cricketers Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal and Suranga Lakmal have been dropped from the squad as the selectors opted for a youth strategy targeting the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Isuru Udana who missed the limited overs series against West Indies due to an injury has returned to the side while the selectors have called up young seamers Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando and Chamika Karunaratne to the 18-member ODI squad.
Binura Fernando had an excellent outing in the recently concluded SLC Major Clubs Limited-Overs Tournament where he finished as the highest wicket-taker taking 23 wickets in 8 matches representing Ragama Cricket Club.
28-year old Shiran Fernando impressed with the ball in the recently concluded SLC Major Club T20 Tournament as he managed to take 14 wickets in 6 matches while Chamika Karunaratne has played 55 List A matches with 69 scalps to his name at 21.23. Karunaratne also had a stellar performance during SLC Major Clubs Limited-Overs Tournament taking 14 wickets in 5 matches.
The 18-man squad will depart for Bangladesh on 16th May with the three ODIs to be played in Mirpur, Dhaka on 23rd, 25th and 28th May.
Sri Lanka ODI squad
Kusal Janith Perera (Captain), Kusal Mendis (Vice Captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ashen Bandara, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanka, Isuru Udana, Dushmantha Chameera, Shiran Fernando, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Ramesh Mendis
