Key Points
- Dilshan Madushanka ruled out due to knee injury, replaced by Eshan Malinga in the ODI squad.
- Matheesha Pathirana misses T20I series due to illness, with Asitha Fernando stepping in as replacement.
ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the 16-member squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Pakistan, which will commence on November 11. Charith Asalanka will lead both squads, with the series marking an important phase in Sri Lanka’s preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup next year.
The series will start with three ODIs, scheduled for November 11, 13, and 15, followed by a T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan and Zimbabwe. The T20I tri-series will begin on November 17 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and the tournament will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where the final will be played on November 29.
Key Player Changes
Opening batter Dilshan Madushanka was originally named in the ODI squad but has been ruled out due to a knee injury. Eshan Malinga has been called up as his replacement.
Matheesha Pathirana, who was included in the T20I squad, will miss the tour due to an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). He will be replaced by Asitha Fernando in the T20I squad.
SLC confirmed these changes in a statement, expressing that both players would be missed but highlighting the replacements as strong options.
The ODI and T20I squads are as follows:
ODI Squad:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga.
T20I Squad:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka (vc), Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga.
Tri-Series T20I Schedule (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe):
17 November: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
19 November: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
22 November: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
23 November: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
25 November: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
27 November: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
29 November: Final – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The series will be pivotal for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next year.
