CSK's Pathirana Excluded; Asalanka To Lead As SL Unveil Squad For Bangladesh ODIs

SL announce ODI squad for BAN series [Source: @iam_kapishwar/X]

In a significant development, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a formidable squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh. Charith Asalanka was retained as the captain, while ace speedster Matheesha Pathirana missed out on selection. 

Kusal Mendis In; No Pathirana In SL Squad

The dynamic trio of Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis has been included as Sri Lanka's top-order for the Bangladesh ODIs. Youngster Nishan Madushka, who has struck three cracking fifties across four outings, makes it into the team for his consistency. 

Experienced batter Kusal Mendis, who sustained a shoulder injury on day 3 of the ongoing Colombo Test, has also been included in the team. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kamindu Mendis have been picked as solid middle-order batters alongside skipper Asalanka, who will likely persist with his preferred number-five slot in the series. 

Lankans Pick Spin-Heavy Team For Bangladesh Challenge

Regarded as Sri Lanka's go-to man in crisis, Janith Liyanage has been picked as an all-rounder alongside Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga, expected to lead the Lankan spin attack against the Tigers. 

Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay also make the cut, with Sri Lanka forming an all-out spin-attack to capitalise on their home advantage. 

Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka will lead the Lankan pace battery with Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga, who emerged as one of SRH's leading bowlers in the IPL 2025. 

Pathirana's absence must not surprise cricket fans, as the CSK mainstay hasn't lived up to the expectations in ODIs, managing 17 wickets at an ordinary economy of 7.27. 

Sri Lanka Squad For Bangladesh ODIs

Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Nishan Madushka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga

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