Dimuth Karunaratne returns to ODI side as Sri Lanka announces strong 16-member squad for Afghanistan series

Sri Lanka is all set to host Afghanistan for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series that commences from June 2 and will conclude on June 7. Notably, all three games will take place at the same venue, i.e. Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.

With less than a week left for the series to kickstart, Sri Lanka have finally announced a strong 16-member squad for the Afghanistan challenge. Although the Islanders did opt for several changes as compared to their previous team that took on New Zealand recently, Dasun Shanaka will continue to lead the side with Kusal Mendis as his deputy.

Some notable additions to the team include the likes of Sri Lanka Test side’s captain Dimuth Karunaratne and IPL returnees Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana. Meanwhile, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Sahan Arachchige, and Dimuth Wellalage are among those to be dropped.

It is worth mentioning that Afghanistan have already declared their squad for the series, and they will be captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi on the tour.

Sri Lanka would look to figure things out and make the most of this battle, as ahead lies the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The series might also witness the ODI debut of Pathirana following his exceptional run in the T20 format.

Sri Lanka squad:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (vc & wk), Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan 2023 schedule:

• First ODI: June 2 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota
• Second ODI: June 4 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota
• Third ODI: June 7 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota