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Pathum Nissanka Ruled Out Of Zimbabwe ODIs Due To 'This' Deadly Disease

image-lr0rbjkqShevon Daniel is in line to make his ODI debut. (X.com)

Sri Lanka's opening batter Pathum Nissanka will miss the entire ODI series against Zimbabwe due to a dengue infection. The talented young cricketer Shevon Daniel has been named as the replacement for Nissanka in the ODI squad, led by new captain Kusal Mendis. The three-match ODI series is set to commence on January 6 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS) in Colombo.

The loss of Pathum Nissanka is a huge setback for Sri Lanka, especially considering his recent emergence as one of the most promising white-ball batters from the country. With an impressive record, Nissanka has accumulated 1728 runs in 49 ODI matches at an average of 38.40, including one century and five fifties.

A Sri Lanka Cricket media release confirmed Nissanka's hospitalization due to a suspected dengue infection, leading to his exclusion from the ODI series against Zimbabwe.

“Team Update: Pathum Nissanka has been admitted to the hospital with a suspected dengue infection. Accordingly, the player is admitted for further management and will be out of the ODI series against Zimbabwe. Cricket selectors have included Shevon Daniel in the ODI squad in place of Nissanka,”  stated Sri Lanka Cricket’s media release.

This setback is particularly poignant for Nissanka as he has a great track record against Zimbabwe in the ODIs. Across four matches against them, he has scored 247 runs with an outstanding average of 82.33.

As for Shevon Daniel, the left-handed batter has recorded 129 runs in seven List-A matches, boasting a personal best score of 63. Despite an average of 18.42, Daniel's potential and talent are recognized by the selectors, and it remains to be seen whether he will get an opportunity in the upcoming series against Zimbabwe.

The three ODIs of the series are scheduled for January 6, 8, and 11. All matches are set to take place at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, and the ODIs will be day-night games.

The white-ball series against Zimbabwe provides Sri Lanka with an opportunity to showcase improvement following a disappointing World Cup campaign last year. The Lankan Lions aspire for a fresh start, and a series win at home will boost their morale.

Sri Lanka's Updated ODI squad: Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Charith Asalanka (vc), Shevon Daniel, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga (subject to fitness).