Due to a possible case of dengue, Pathum Nissanka, the opener for Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of the ODI series against Zimbabwe. If dengue is discovered, there are worries that he will miss the next three-match T20I series and end up being admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Shevon Daniel, who has only played in one Twenty20 international match, has been called up to fill in for him while he is away. Even though he may open, Avishka Fernando and captain Kusal Mendis are stronger openers, so it’s unclear where he’ll be in the starting lineup for the first ODI.
Although the 19-year-old’s participation mainly rests on his potential rather than lengthy gameplay, his recent half-century for Sinhalese Sports Club in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament demonstrated promise. Khettarama will host the three ODIs against Zimbabwe as well as the subsequent Twenty20 internationals. With Nissanka out, Sri Lanka will have a difficult time fielding a strong batting lineup.
Pathum Nissanka perfect record against Zimbabwe hints at Sri Lanka’s chances.
Given his steady batting performances, Sri Lanka has suffered from the right-hand batter’s absence. With an astounding 1151 ODI runs at an average of 44.26 the year before, he established himself as one of the team’s most reliable hitters. His outstanding performance against Zimbabwe, where he averages 82.33 over four innings, exacerbates Sri Lanka’s issues.
In 49 one-day internationals, the 25-year-old has amassed 1728 runs at an average of 38.40, with three hundred to his credit. Even with his impressive performance at the 2023 World Cup—he amassed 332 runs at a rate of 41.50—Sri Lanka’s campaign was unremarkable, as they won only two of their nine games. But their victory over the reigning champions, England, struck out as a noteworthy accomplishment.
The updated squad for Sri Lanka:
Kusal Mendis (C), Charith Asalanka, Shevon Daniel, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, and Wanindu Hasaranga (subject to fitness).
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