Chamika out, Lakshan in for Afghan ODIs
Bowling all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne has been axed from the ODI team that will face Afghanistan in a three-match series starting November 25 in Pallekele. Also missing from the side is Danushka Gunathilaka, who is embroiled in a court case in Sydney over allegations of sexual intercourse without consent with a woman he found on Tinder, a dating app.
Karunaratne has had a poor outing during the ICC T20 World Cup. He is also reported to have involved in a fisticuff at a casino during the World Cup with another Sri Lankan. His record however in ODIs is better, scoring 376 runs and taking 16 wickets in 18 games. His last ODI inning was probably the best he has played so far, scoring a career-best 75 against Australia at Colombo in June.
Fast-bowling allrounder Dananjaya Lakshan has replaced him in the 16-man squad. In Gunathilaka’s absence, Ashen Bandara has returned to the side. Bandara who has played five ODIs scoring 141 runs, including two half centuries, last played against Bangladesh in May last year.
The squad includes eight batters Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dinesh Chandimal and Ashen Bandara. In addition to the two frontline spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, teenage left-armer Dunith Wellalage has retained his place in the side. The former Sri Lanka Under-19 skipper made his national debut against Australia at home in June this year and came out with fine performances, claiming nine wickets off five games.
With Dushmantha Chameera out due to an injury, the fast bowling pack will be led by Kasun Rajitha and includes Lahiru Kumara, Pramod Madushan and Asitha Fernando. The second and third matches will be played on November 27 and 29 at the same venue. Sri Lanka is currently ranked 8th in the world.
Probable squad for the Afghanistan ODI series: Dasun Shanaka (Capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dinesh Chandimal, Ashen Bandara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dananjaya Lakshan, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Pramod Madushan and Asitha Fernando.