Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will face off each other in a three-match ODI series set to get underway on November 24, Friday and it will be a crucial encounter for both teams. The Island Nation eventually crashed out of the 20-20 World Cup on the back of their poor outings in the Super 12 stages, and eventually had to face other issues as well.
To add more, the Dasun Shanaka-led side faced tough opponents, the likes of Australia, New Zealand and England in the Super 12 stages and failed to make it count in the showpiece event. Post the conclusion of the multinational tournament, Danushka Gunathilaka’s sexual assault row rocked the entire country, making things worse for the team. However, Shanaka and his men would look to turn things around in the upcoming series against Afghanistan and would eventually look to win the series, in a hope to prepare for the upcoming 50-over World Cup to be held in India in 2023.
Dananjaya Lakshan, Kasun Rajitha get call-up again
While Bhanuka Rajapaksa was given a break on the back of his request, the likes of Dhananjaya Lakshan and Kasun Rajitha got their call-up again. Pathum Nissanka, who outclassed in the recently concluded multinational tournament, will continue with his stint in the series alongside the likes of Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal.
When it comes to spin department, it will be Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana who would be expected to take the lead for the Island Nation. Dhananjaya de Silva, who has been a part of the setup for a long time, would to make a strong statement in the series against Afghanistan. To add more, the second ODI will be played on Sunday while the final ODI will be played on November 30 as well. As things stand, let us take a look at the squad for the Afghanistan tour:
Sri Lanka’s squad: Dasun Shanaka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dananjaya Lakshan, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Lahiru Kumara
