Star RR Spinner Missing From Sri Lanka’s Squad For Zimbabwe Ahead Of Asia Cup

Star Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who is also a key member of Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, won’t be a part of Sri Lanka’s ODI squad in Zimbabwe, where they will play a two-match series. The two ODIs will be played on August 29 and 31. 

Hasaranga has been injured since July, when he injured his hamstring during the T20I series against Bangladesh. As a result of that, he missed the ODI series against Bangladesh, and now will be missing from the Zimbabwe ODIs as well. 

The 16-member squad, which will be captained by Charith Asalanka, also sees the return of top-order batter Nuwanidu Fernando. Pavan Rathnayake, another top-order batter who’s yet to make his debut, has also been included in the squad as the 22-year-old put up some solid domestic performances. 

Avishka Fernando and Eshan Malinga, who played the ODI series against Bangladesh, are missing from the squad. The bowling unit comprises pace trio Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, and Asitha Fernando. Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Welllalage, and Jeffrey Vandersay form the spin department in Hasaranga’s absence. 

The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20I series. It remains to be seen if Hasaranga will be deemed fit for that, or he’ll directly feature in the Asia Cup for Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka ODI squad for Zimbabwe tour

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka