With only a couple of days to go for the start of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in Colombo, Sri Lanka have cut down their squad of 22 to 16 players.
From the original 22-member squad announced last week, five players – Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Amila Aponso, Lahiru Madusanka and Lakshan Sandakan have been left out of the final squad, while Dasun Shanaka will join the squad for the 2nd and 3rd games after Lasith Malinga’s retirement in the 1st ODI. However, those five players can be called-up to the squad at any given time in case of an emergency.
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27-year old Shanaka, slammed a whirlwind 86* off 63 balls in the tour game against Bangladesh on Tuesday. Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka and Amila Aponso failed to impress the selectors in the same match and have thus faced the axe.
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The first ODI which will be Lasith Malinga’s final ODI match will be played on Friday (26th July), followed by the two remaining games on Sunday (28th July) and Wednesday (31st July) at R. Premadasa International Stadium.
The hosts have named at least six seam-bowling options which suggests that the pitches at Khettarama will aid the faster bowlers.
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In the past, Sri Lanka have hosted Bangladesh in 19 ODIs with the Lions winning 15 and Tigers coming on top in 2 matches. The other two games have ended in no results. However, Bangladesh are yet to win an ODI series in Sri Lanka. The most recent bilateral ODI series between these two nations, in 2017, ended in a 1-1 draw.
Sri Lanka squad – Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya De Silva, Shehan Jayasuriya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akila Dananjaya, Isuru Udana, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Lasith Malinga (1st ODI), Dasun Shanaka (2nd & 3rd ODIs)
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