Optimistic Sri Lanka embark on challenging twin series to Pakistan
Sri Lanka will play Pakistan in a three-match ODI series before being joined by Zimbabwe for a T20 International Tri-Series. While Pakistan come into the series having played a full tour against South Africa, Sri Lanka embark on their first international assignment since the Asia Cup in Dubai in September.
Charith Asalanka leads the Sri Lanka white-ball side, as his captaincy is being questioned relating to his recent performance - Pic courtest SLC
“It’s going to be a challenging tournament,” said captain Charith Asalanka before leaving for the airport.
“Pakistan are a side that play well. We too have performed well as a team in ODIs in recent months, and winning a tournament in Pakistan will certainly give us a lot of confidence. We have a very balanced side, and we’re hopeful of winning both series.”
Sri Lanka have been dominant at home in ODIs, winning all five series played under Asalanka’s leadership. They lost an away series to New Zealand but defeated Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe to strengthen their position in ODI cricket. This, however, will be a new challenge against a strong Pakistan outfit. Pakistan, who are currently engaged in a series against South Africa, have enjoyed notable away victories over Australia, West Indies, and South Africa during the past 12 months, though they lost their most recent tours to New Zealand and West Indies.
The ODI series will be of particular significance to Lahiru Udara, who is expected to open the batting alongside Pathum Nissanka after the 31-year-old received the green light ahead of Nishan Madushka and Nuwanidu Fernando. Although Nissanka has been exceptional with the bat, he has struggled to find a stable opening partner, and selectors now believe Udara could fit the role.
Uncapped middle-order batter Pavan Rathnayake, 23, has also been named in the ODI squad — a reward for consistent domestic performances over time, even though his recent form has been modest. He did, however, register a List A century at the end of July.
All eyes, however, will be on the T20 Tri-Series, a format in which Sri Lanka have struggled for some time. They have won only one series — in Zimbabwe — over the past year, and their failure to qualify for the Asia Cup final has prompted selectors to ring in the changes.
Fast bowler Eshan Malinga has been included in both the ODI and T20 squads, as has Asitha Fernando. Batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa and leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha have also been recalled, as selectors seek to find the right combinations ahead of the World Cup. Interestingly this will be the first international assignments of both Julian Wood and Rene Ferdinands who were appointed as batting and spin bowling coaches by Sri Lanka Cricket in October.
Sri Lanka’s ODIs against Pakistan are all scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi on November 11, 13, and 15. The matches will be followed by the Tri-Series from November 17 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the final slated for November 29.
| Sri Lanka Squads | |
| ODIs: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga T20I Tri-Series: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka (VC), Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga
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