The national selectors have named their 15-man squad for the 5-match ODI series against Pakistan which starts on 11th July at Dambulla.
This is the first ODI assignment for Sri Lanka after the retirements of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Both legends played their final game in Sydney when they were beaten comprehensively by South Africa in the ICC World Cup quarter-final clash.
The selectors have opted for 8 batsmen, 4 seamers and 3 spinners. Lasith Malinga will spearhead the bowling attack as they have dropped Nuwan Kulasekara from the team.
Middle-order batsman Ashan Priyanjan has also earned a recall due to the voids created by Sanga and Mahela.
There is no place for Tharindu Kaushal and Dushmantha Chameera who played in the quarter-final game against South Africa.
Left-handed middle order batsman who can bowl part-time left-arm orthodox spin, Milinda Siriwardene has been drafted into the squad for the first time due to his superior form in the domestic circuit. Rangana Herath has not been named in the squad and he has been replaced by the uncapped left-arm spinner from Colts Cricket Club, Sachith Pathirana.
Sri Lanka ODI squad – Angelo Mathews (C), TM Dilshan, Kusal Janith Perera, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Milinda Siriwardene, Ashan Priyanjan, Nuwan Pradeep, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Sachitra Senanayake, Seekuge Prasanna, Sachith Pathirana
