New all-rounder gets maiden ODI call-up for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a 16-member squad for the three-match home ODI series against West Indies.

Pallekele will host all three ODIs against West Indies in the upcoming series. Three ODIs will be played on October 20, 23, and 26. Since 2011, West Indies haven’t won an ODI match against the hosts Sri Lanka. The Caribbean team last time won an ODI against the hosts Sri Lanka in August 2005, which was their third ODI win against the hosts Sri Lanka. 

Charith Asalanka is continuing his leadership role. The team has spin options like Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Jeffrey Vandersay.

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Chamindu Wickramasinghe is likely to make ODI debut

Uncapped Chamindu Wickramasinghe has been named in the 16-member Sri Lanka squad, as he has replaced Chamika Karunaratne. Wickramasinghe made his T20I debut during India's tour of Sri Lanka last July and played his second T20I during the recently concluded home T20I series against West Indies. 

In the Lanka Premier League 2024, Wickramasinghe shined with the bat by scoring two half-centuries. The right-arm pacer Mohamed Shiraz, who made ODI debut against India last August, is also included in the squad. 

Matheesha Pathirana will miss the ODI series

Pacers Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando are also in the latest 16-member ODI squad, but the fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has missed out on the ODI squad after picking four wickets in the recently concluded home T20I series against West Indies. 

Talking about the hosts’ batting options for the upcoming ODI series, they have the captain Charith Asalanka along with Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Nishan Madushka.

Sri Lankan ODI squad against West Indies

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz