Sri Lanka name squad for Zimbabwe ODIs, Dasun Shanaka to lead

Sri Lanka have named a strong 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, starting Sunday, January 16. The home team has included three uncapped pacers, Nuwan Thushara, Chamika Gunasekara and Shiran Fernando, in the squad for the white-ball games.

Thushara was impressive form in the recent edition of the Lanka Premier League. The left-arm pacer picked up a five-wicket haul while playing for the Galle Gladiators in their match against the Jaffna Kings. The southpaw also finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament.

Thushara has also picked up 11 wickets in 15 matches in his List A career until now. Gunasekara recently picked up a six-wicket haul against Pakistan A in a first-class match. Shiran, on the other hand, has 26 scalps from as many List A games.

Avishka Fernando, Janith Liyanage and Kamil Mishara won’t be a part of the upcoming series as they were tested positive for COVID-19. Dhananjaya de Silva hasn’t been included as well due to him being on paternity leave. Lahiru Kumara and Kalana Perera were left out after they failed to fulfill the fitness standards.

In place of the above players, the Lankans have drafted in Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Shiran Fernando and Kamindu Mendis. Six players have also been kept on standby. The three ODIs will take place on January 16, 18 and 21 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Sri Lanka Squad

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Minod Bhanuka, Charith Asalanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Thushara, Ramesh Mendis, Praveen Jayawickrama, Dushmantha Chameera, Chamika Gunasekera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Shiran Fernando, Kamindu Mendis

Standy Players

Ashen Bandara, Pulina Tharanga, Nimesh Vimukthi, Ashian Daniel, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando

On January 8, Zimbabwe also named a strong squad for the ODI series. The visitors have picked uncapped players, wicketkeeper Clive Madande and opening batter Takudzwanashe Kaitano for the matches. All-rounder Tino Mutombodzi has also made a comeback after last donning the national jersey back in March 2020 against Bangladesh.

Zimbabwe squad

Craig Ervine (C), Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Wesley Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Sean Williams