AFG vs SL ODIs 2023: Sri Lanka Ready For ODI World Cup With Dimuth Karunaratne Return. Karunaratne recalled to Sri Lanka’s ODI squad, pacer Dushmantha Chameera also returns after ankle surgery
Karunaratne was recalled to the team after more than two years:-
Opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne has been recalled to Sri Lanka’s ODI squad after more than two years.
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When was the last time he played a 50-over game in international cricket? Fast bowler Dushmanta Chameera is also making a comeback, having missed the March 2023 tour of New Zealand following ankle surgery.
Legspinning all-rounder Dushan Hemantha is the only uncapped player in the 16-member squad for the three ODIs against Afghanistan starting on Friday.
However, there was no place for left-arm spin all-rounder Dunith Velazle while wicketkeeper Kusal Perera is out with a hamstring injury.
The selectors after leading Sri Lanka:-
Karunaratne’s presence is an indication that the selectors are once again ready to go back on their experience in a World Cup year after leading Sri Lanka in the 2019 edition.
He had also recalled Angelo Mathews earlier in the year and kept Dhananjaya de Silva consistent in the middle order. Karunaratne may be ready to open with Pathum Nissanka.
Nuwanidu Fernando, who had opened the batting in New Zealand, was not selecting for this series.
The batting line-up is quite predictable. Kusal Mendis is likely to take the gloves and bat at No.3 with the likes of Charith Aslanka, Mathews, and de Silva forming the middle order.
Sadeera Samarawickrama, who recently scored a maiden Test century against Ireland, has also been selected for these matches. Although she has not playing an ODI since 2019.
Already qualified for a marquee event:-
All the three matches will be playing in Hambantota. For Afghanistan, it will be part of their lead-up to the World Cup having already qualified for the marquee event.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are yet to seal their place. They have to play in a qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe next month; These matches will serve as preparation.
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Sri Lanka ODI squad: 1. Dasun Shanaka (c), 2. Kusal Mendis (wk), 3. Pathum Nissanka, 4. Dimuth Karunaratne, 5. Angelo Mathews, 6. Dhananjaya de Silva, 7. Charith Aslanka, 8. Sadeera Samarawickrama, 9. Chamka Karunaratne, 10. Dushan Hemantha, 11. Wanindu Hasaranga, 12. Lahiru Kumara, 13. Dushmantha Chameera, 14. Kasun Rajitha, 15. Mathisha Pathirana, 16. Mahesh Theekshana.
