Sri Lanka Cricket announces 15-member squad for ODI World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe

The selection committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a 15-member squad that will travel to Zimbabwe for the forthcoming ODI World Cup Qualifiers. The team approved by Roshan Ranasinghe, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sri Lanka, will leave for the African nation on Saturday, June 10.

Notably, the SLC also confirmed that former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene, who is a consultant coach for the national team, will travel with the squad for the crucial qualifiers. SLC also further confirmed that limited support staff will be sent for the qualifiers and more members will be added to the same if the team cements its berth in the 2023 ODI World Cup, slated to be held in October-November in India.

“We have to send a limited support staff for the Zimbabwe trip. But, yes, if our team qualifies for the World Cup, we will certainly try to send them," Prof. Arjuna de Silva, chairman of the SLC medical panel, was quoted as saying by The Daily Mirror.

The Lankan Lions are heading for the crucial ICC event on the back of a 2-1 win over Afghanistan in the recently concluded three-match ODI series at home. The World Cup Qualifiers are scheduled to commence on Sunday, June 18 and the finals will be played on July 9.

Sri Lanka are placed in Group B alongside the likes of Ireland, Oman, Scotland, and UAE. Notably, ten teams are part of the Qualifiers wherein the finalists of the event will cement their spots in the ODI World Cup in India.

The Dasun Shanaka-led side will play two warm-up matches against the Netherlands and the United States on June 13 and June 15, respectively. The Lankan Lions begin their group phase campaign on Monday, June 19, as they will be up against the UAE. 

Sri Lanka squad for Qualifiers:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc & wk), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushan Hemantha