Former Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne has been selected to join the national squad for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan. Karunaratne, who led the Sri Lankan team in the previous ODI World Cup in 2019, has not played in the format for more than two years. This indicates that he might be part of Sri Lanka’s plans for the upcoming World Cup.
Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, who has been out of action due to injury and has not played for Sri Lanka in 2023, has also been included in the 16-man squad. There is one new player in the squad, Dushan Hemantha, who has performed well in List A cricket and will make his debut for the national team.
Several players who were part of the squad that played in New Zealand earlier this year have been left out, including Nuwanidu Fernando, Sahan Arachchige, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, and Dilshan Madushanka.
Two players who were part of the winning team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana, will also be playing for the national team. Kusal Perera was not considered for selection due to a hamstring injury, while Wanindu Hasaranga is undergoing rehabilitation for a foot injury and will only play if he fully recovers.
The three-match series against Afghanistan will begin on June 2nd in Hambantota. The squad for the series includes Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wicketkeeper), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, and Maheesh Theekshana.