Lasith Malinga officially announces ODI retirement

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Only Muttiah Muralitharan (523) and Chaminda Vaas (399) have taken more wickets than Lasith Malinga in ODI cricket for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s veteran fast-bowler Lasith Malinga will retire from ODI cricket after the first ODI against Bangladesh on 26th July, Friday at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. 

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“I am retiring after the first game against Bangladesh. I confirmed it with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Board today and they responded to it positively and allowed it. I am glad for all the support I received. I urge all the fans to come and watch me play ODI cricket for one last time on Friday (26th July) at Khettarama. “Malinga said through his wife’s Facebook account on Monday. 

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35-year old Malinga, will end his career as Sri Lanka’s third highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 335 wickets in 225 matches. Only Muttiah Muralitharan (523) and Chaminda Vaas (399) have taken more wickets than Malinga in ODI cricket for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka will play three ODIs against Bangladesh on July 26th, 28th and 31st at the R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo. 

During the pre-series media briefing on Monday, Sri Lanka Captain Dimuth Karunaratne confirmed that Malinga would only appear in the first game.

“He is going to play the first match. After that he is retiring. That’s what he said to me. I don’t know what he said for the selectors but for me he said he is playing only one match,” said Karunaratne.’

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Malinga, who has reportedly obtained Permanent Residency in Australia is expected to continue playing T20I cricket for Sri Lanka until the 2020 T20 World Cup. He retired from Test cricket in 2010 after playing only 30 Tests due to injury concerns.

In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Malinga was Sri Lanka’s best bowler, taking 13 wickets in 7 innings.

>>Sri Lanka v Bangladesh 2019<<