Sri Lanka Announces 16-Man ODI Squad vs Bangladesh: Asalanka to Lead, Mendis Injured

Charith Asalanka has been named captain of Sri Lanka's 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, which starts on July 2. This will be Sri Lanka’s first ODI series since they beat Australia 2-0 back in February. After a five-month break from 50-over cricket, Sri Lanka will be a bit concerned about Kusal Mendis, who is dealing with a shoulder injury. The first two matches will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, and the final game will take place on July 8 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

While there is no Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lanka will keep their faith in Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga in the pace bowling unit. Milan Rathnayake has also received a maiden ODI call-up. But his availability is subject to fitness. He suffered an injury during SL vs BAN 1st Test. In batting, Sri Lanka will rely heavily on Pathum Nissanka after his exploits in the Test series.

Sri Lanka Aims to Reclaim ODI Dominance at Home Against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka hasn’t won a one-day series against Bangladesh since 2019. The last two times the teams faced off in ODIs, both in Bangladesh, the hosts came out on top, handing Sri Lanka back-to-back series defeats. But this time, the tables could turn. With the series now on home soil, Sri Lanka has a golden opportunity to settle the score and put those recent losses behind them.

At home, Sri Lanka have lost only two ODIs against Bangladesh since 1986. At the moment, they are on a six-match winning streak against Bangladesh at home. Overall, Sri Lanka have had the upper hand, winning 43 out of 57 ODIs. But in the last five encounters, Sri Lanka has lost three times, including in the World Cup 2023.

Sri Lanka squad for Bangladesh ODIs

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake (subject to fitness), Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga

SL vs BAN ODI Schedule

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