Dasun Shanaka, the cricketer who led Sri Lanka in the World Cup, lost the captaincy of the ODI team in the series against Zimbabwe last January. This time, the Lankan all-rounder was left out of the 16-member ODI squad against Afghanistan.
That Shanaka would drop out was a foregone conclusion. Because, his performance against Zimbabwe was spectacular. Shanaker has only one half-century in his previous 21 innings including this series. Batted at an average of 12.25.
Due to which the Sri Lanka Cricket Board removed him from the captaincy before the series against Zimbabwe. Kushal Mendis has been announced as the new captain instead.
However, the Lankans kept Shanaka in the squad in that series despite being removed from the leadership. After scoring 8 and 7 runs in the first two matches, he was not included in the team in the last ODI.
Not only Shana, 2 more Lankan cricketers were dropped in the series against Afghans; Who played in the series against Zimbabwe? The 2 players left out are – attacking midfielder Nuanidu Fernando and legspinner Jaffrey Vonderse. All-rounder Chamika Karunaratne and opener Shevon Daniel have returned to the team. Besides, the rest of the cricketers are in their position.
Sri Lanka ODI squad against Afghanistan
Kushal Mendis (captain), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nisanka, Aviska Fernando, Sadira Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachige, Shevon Daniel, Zenith Lianej, Chamika Karunaratne, Mahish Thikshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmanth Chamira, Dunith Wallage, Pramadh Madusan, Akila Dhananjaya, Wani Ndu Hasaranga .
MH/MS
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