South Africa vs Sri Lanka: Lasith Malinga to lead 17-man ODI squad

After a disappointing few series, Sri Lanka scripted a miraculous win over South Africa in the first Test they played in Durban. Reduced to 226 for 9 in pursuit of 304, the Asians looked in place to taste yet another humiliating loss but for Kusal Perera’s magnificent 153 not out and No.11 Vishwa Fernando who gave the batsman company and put up 78 runs for the last wicket to take their team home.

This victory means the Lankans, who have been thumped by England, New Zealand and Australia recently, will not lose the series and that will be a much-needed boost before the final Test and the ODI and T20I series that follow. On Monday, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a 17-member squad for the five ODIs against South Africa starting in Johannesburg on March 3.

The team has veteran pacer Lasith Malinga as the captain and Niroshan Dickwella as his deputy besides featuring new faces that the selectors want to test ahead of the World Cup this year. The Asian side has never beaten the Proteas in ODIs in their den and was walloped 5-0 the last time they toured the country in 2016-17. Sri Lanka’s last win in a bilateral ODI series against SA came in 2013 when they won a home series 4-1.

Akila Dananjaya makes a comeback

The two sides have played each other 71 times with South Africa having a 38-31 lead. One match was tied while another was inconclusive. Malinga was back to lead the Sri Lankan side after a long gap in December when the side played New Zealand. It was a forgetful return for the veteran cricketer at the helm as his team was thumped 3-0 by the Black Caps.

The 35-year-old with over 500 international wickets will look to make some quick recovery in the upcoming series as a captain so that he strengthens his claim to lead Sri Lanka in the upcoming World Cup. Malinga’s own form was not bad against the Kiwis as he took seven wickets in three games. Off-break bowler Akila Dhananjaya, who hasn’t played since the home series in England last year, also made a return to the squad.

Here is a look at the Sri Lankan side

Lasith Malinga (captain), Niroshan Dickwella (vice-captain), Akila Dananjaya, Avishka Fernando, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Thisara Perera, Kusal Perera, Angelo Perera, Oshada Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kasun Rajitha, Priyamal Perera, Isuru Udana, Vishwa Fernando and Lakshan Sandakan

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