Sri Lanka make string of changes for Pakistan tour
Sri Lanka have made a string of changes to their squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, with several underperforming players dropped and a few fresh faces emerging, along with a returning star, drafted in.
Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Dilshan Madushanka and Milan Rathnayake have been omitted as the selectors look to revitalise the side ahead of the tour. Their replacements are Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga and Wanindu Hasaranga, who make up the 16-man squad for the series beginning on November 11 in Pakistan.
The squad, which returned to Colombo on Friday after a week-long training camp in Hambantota, is scheduled to depart for Pakistan on November 8.
Hasaranga’s inclusion comes as little surprise. The all-rounder’s return immediately restores balance to the side, having missed the recent tour of Zimbabwe. His world-class leg-spin and explosive lower-order batting add the much-needed edge that Sri Lanka often rely on in tight contests.
Among the newcomers, Udara, Mishara, Malinga and Madushan highlight the selectors’ intent to broaden the player pool. Udara, who averages 31.43 in List A cricket, has long hovered on the fringes of national selection. He is expected to partner Pathum Nissanka at the top of the order, especially with his sound technique against the new ball, a vital skill in Pakistani conditions.
Mishara, averaging 40.77 in List A cricket, represents youthful promise and is being considered as a middle-order option. Madushan, meanwhile, returns to strengthen the fast-bowling unit. The right-armer has claimed 13 wickets in nine ODIs, and his ability to generate reverse swing could prove valuable in Rawalpindi’s abrasive conditions. However, his last ODI appearance was back in February last year. Malinga joins the squad in the absence of Dilshan Madushanka who is recovering from a knee injury.
The omissions, meanwhile, appear driven more by form than potential. Madushka has managed only 182 runs in eight ODIs at 26.00, with just 75 runs coming from five matches this year. Nuwanidu Fernando, despite showing early promise, has failed to cement his place, scoring only 89 runs in six ODIs at 17.50.
The exclusion of Dunith Wellalage is perhaps the most debatable. The young spinner has 39 wickets from 31 ODIs, but 35 of those have come on home soil. With only four wickets in neutral conditions, his effectiveness outside Sri Lanka remains in question. Against a strong Pakistani batting line-up and on pitches likely to offer less grip, selectors have favoured the more adaptable Hasaranga, alongside Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay. Milan Rathnayake, who went wicketless in his only ODI appearance, has also been left out in favour of more experienced bowlers.
Despite the changes, Sri Lanka have retained their core group. Charith Asalanka continues as captain, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Sadeera Samarawickrama forming the backbone of the batting. Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage offer flexibility through the middle order, while Pavan Rathnayake has been retained from the Zimbabwe series, though his chances of breaking into the XI remain uncertain.
The bowling unit looks well-balanced. Dushmantha Chameera leads the pace attack with his express pace, supported by the reliable Asitha Fernando and the returning Pramod Madushan. Dilshan Madushanka has also been retained, pending a final fitness assessment. Hasaranga will head the spin department, assisted by Theekshana and Vandersay, as Sri Lanka look to build on their recent progress in the 50-over format.
