In a statement released on Friday, Sri Lanka revealed their team for the upcoming ODI series with the West Indies. Matheesha Pathirana, the leading fast bowler, is however missing in the 16-man squad set for the three home matches later on October 20 in Pallekele.
Charith Asalanka’s men having put up a great fight to win the T20I series against the Caribbean side 2-1 are the favorites in ODIs having also defeated the strong Indian team in the last 50 overs bilateral series which was played in July-August. There are no significant structural changes to the team, Sri Lanka, which pulled an upset over the strong India team 2-0.
Squad: Charith Asalanka (C), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz.
Opening batsman and a wicketkeeper, Nishan Madushka and a pace all-rounder, Chamindu Wickramasinghe are keen to make their ODI debut. The pair was also included in the squad for the India series but did not get a chance to play in an ODI.
It is important to know about Matheesha Pathirana’s injury. The 21-year-old missed out on 3 ODIs in India owing to a shoulder niggle but made his way back to the side for the latter T20I series against the West Indies. In the year before in 2022 cricketing year, Pathirana last played an ODI. However, he made his last appearance in 50 overs format nearly a year ago; where he played for a few matches in ICC ODI World Cup. He has also not performed well in 50 over games scalping only 17 wickets in 12 outings averaging 36.23.
It’s been more than 3 years since Sri Lanka has played a bilateral ODI series against West Indies in the capacity of hosts. In their previous ODI meeting, also considered as SLC’s last hosted ODI, the opponent crumbled against Sri Lanka.
West Indies tour of Sri Lanka schedule
1st ODI – 02:30 PM IST, 20 Oct at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
2nd ODI – 02:30 PM IST, 23 Oct at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
3rd ODI – 02:30 PM IST, 26 Oct at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
