COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Tuesday, announced a 16-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan as they race up their Cricket World Cup (CWC) Qualifier preparations.

Sri Lankan pace prodigy Matheesha Pathirana, nicknamed ‘Baby Malinga’, who impressed with his brilliance in a title-winning IPL campaign for Chennai Super Kings, is likely to make his ODI debut as he was included in the 16-member squad for the first two ODIs of the Afghanistan series.

Dasun Shanaka will continue to lead Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, scheduled from June 2 to 7.

Whereas, Dushmantha Chameera, who is back after a long injury layoff, will lead the Sri Lankan pace attack.

While looking to infuse youth, Sri Lanka also decided to rely on Dimuth Karunaratne’s experience to bolster their batting. Karunaratne last played for the Islanders in the 50-over format in 2021.

Wicketkeeper batter Kusal Perera failed to make it to the squad due to a hamstring injury which paved the way for Sadeera Samarawickrama, who returned to the ODI setup after four-year hiatus.

It is worth mentioning here that Sri Lanka have yet to announce their squad for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, but they will want to keep the majority of their core group.

The former champions are in Group B with Ireland, Scotland, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, and their CWC Qualifier campaign commences on June 19 against the UAE.

Sri Lanka Squad for the first two ODIs against Afghanistan: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha.

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