By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Sri Lanka cricket selectors have finally selected 16 member squad for the Bangladesh three one day cricket series. SLC originally picked a 22 member squad for this series but they pruned down to 16 today two days before the first one day game which will be played on 26th at the R.Premadasa International cricket stadium.
Two openers Niroshan Dikwella and Danushaka Gunatilleka, spinners Amila Aponsu and Lakshan Sandakan along with paceman Lahiru Madusanka have been dropped from the 22 member squad while Dasun Shanaka also not named for the one day game. Shanaka who made a quick knock of 86 not out in the warm-up game has been recalled only for second and third one-day matches to replace Lasith Malinga who will be retiring from the one days after first one day game.
However, Akila Dhananjaya, Shehan Jayasuriya and Wanidu Hasaraga have been ensured their places for the final 16-man squad. Jayasuriya, who is also a useful spinner, made a fine half-century in the warm-up game thus the selectors would be looking to use him as a spin all-rounder.
Meanwhile, the selectors continue to keep faith on young talent Kusal Mendis, while young speedster Lahiru Kumara too will be back in the squad after the world cup exclusion.
Sri Lanka one day squad for the Bangladesh three-match series
1. Dimuth Karunaratne – ( Captain) 2. Kusal Janith Perera 3. Avishka Fernando 4. Kusal Mendis5. Angelo Mathews 6. Lahiru Thirimanne7. Shehan Jayasuriya8. Dhananjaya de Silva 9. Wanindu Hasaranga10. Akila Dananjaya11. Lasith Malinga (will only play the 1st ODI)12. Nuwan Pradeep13. Lahiru Kumara14. Thisara Perera15. Isuru Udana16. Kasun Rajitha17. Dasun Shanaka (Will come into the 2nd and 3rd ODI)
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