Matheesha Pathirana, a fast bowler, and Dushan Hemantha, a legspinner who just made their ODI debuts, are in the team.
Angelo Mathews now appears unlikely to add to his 221 ODI appearances.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup Qualification at Stake as Angelo Mathews Omitted from Squad
Sri Lanka’s ODI team will be without Angelo Mathews’ leadership qualities now that he was left out of the 15-man roster for the forthcoming Zimbabwe World Cup Qualifiers. The cricket board of Sri Lanka has moved on and is exploring alternatives amid injury issues and numerous skipper changes. Mathews was initially thought to be the team’s leading solution. It might indicate that Mathews’ ODI career may finish earlier than he anticipated. His success from the previous season generated hope, but sadly there weren’t enough performances to hold the selectors’ attention. Nevertheless, it will severely hurt Sri Lanka’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup if they cannot locate a competent successor.
Before Sri Lanka toured New Zealand earlier this year, Mathews was returned to the ODI team after a two-year layoff. The 36-year-old had hoped for a World Cup farewell after the decision. The second ODI against Afghanistan last week saw him removed from the playing XI due to poor performances; after his comeback, he scored 18, 0 and 12.
Instead of Mathews, Sadeera Samarawickrama batted quickly for 44 runs, earning him a berth in the forthcoming third ODI game. Samarawickrama’s performance was undoubtedly impressive, but it also may significantly impact Mathews’ ODI career. Mathews, who has played in 221 ODIs, appears to be having trouble. He is unquestionably a quality player, but his recent concerns may make it less likely that he will be chosen for the next ODI games. The strain that seasoned players face to perform under continual scrutiny when even little blips in form might spell the end of a career is highlighted by this circumstance.
His comeback and Dimuth Karunaratne’s were considered a change in the selectors’ strategy to prioritize experience during a World Cup year before the Afghanistan series. Although the 35-year-old certainly seems to have earned his opportunity, scoring back-to-back fifties on his return to the ODI side as Sri Lanka secured a come-from-behind series win against Afghanistan, Karunaratne’s retention for the World Cup Qualifier is proof that he remains in their minds.
For their forthcoming matches, the Sri Lankan team boasts a well-balanced squad. Despite a few surprises, the group’s hitting lineup is unquestionably one of their strengths. The team, led by Dasun Shanaka, is predicted to do well thanks to veterans like Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva and excellent young players like Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, and Samarawickrama. They have given outstanding performances in previous games, and they appear to be in terrific shape. To prevail, they must maintain their pace and deliver regularly, though.
Chamika Karunaratne, Shanaka, and Wanindu Hasaranga fill the all-rounders. Hasaranga also heads the spin department, featuring legspinner Dushan Hemantha and Mahesh Theekshana.
Hemantha’s First Cap
In the first ODI against Afghanistan, Hemantha received his first cap after replacing the injured Hasaranga. However, Hasaranga didn’t appear for the rest of the series after rejoining the XI. His inclusion is predicated solely on his capacity to serve as Hasaranga’s cover, even though he has recently made a strong impression at home.
However, Sri Lanka’s strong suit is in the vibrant, if fragile, seam department. Dushmantha Chameera, who returned to combat in Afghanistan after a ten-month absence, is in charge of it, albeit his workload still has to be managed. The same is true for Lahiru Kumara, who can bowl at an express pace but far too frequently is hindered by minor ailments, most notably in the first ODI against Afghanistan.
The acquisition of Matheesha Pathirana to the team is significant. This year’s IPL saw the young athlete raise heads with a sensational performance that included yorkers thrown at 145 kph. Even though he played in ODIs then, his skill was undeniable. Finally, he was given the ODI cap last week, a proud occasion for him and his supporters. Cricket fans are eager to witness more of his explosive abilities in forthcoming games after his spectacular IPL campaign and recent ODI debut.
The final performer, Kasun Rajitha, is not express but is dependable for some early swing, nagging lines, and lengths.
Sri Lanka will play three exhibition games before their qualifying campaign against UAE on June 19 in Bulawayo.
Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, and Maheesh Theekshane are all members of Sri Lanka’s squad. Dasun Shanaka serves as captain. Read more cricket news and updates here at IPLWin India.
