Sri Lanka have omitted former captain Charith Asalanka from their 16‑player ODI squad for the upcoming Pakistan tri‑series, which also includes England. The move comes after a string of low scores in England and follows his earlier exclusion from the T20I side for the Pakistan series.
Asalanka omitted after poor form in England
Asalanka, who holds a career ODI average of 40.55 from 88 matches, was left out of the tri‑series squad. He managed only 1, 11 and 7 runs in the ODI leg of Sri Lanka’s England tour. His omission is noteworthy given his leadership role on that tour, where he served as vice‑captain and later stood in for the injured Kusal Mendis as T20I captain.
His recent run of low scores has now cost him a place in both the T20I and ODI squads for the Pakistan leg of Sri Lanka’s schedule. The tri‑series opens a chance for other batters to stake their claim, with Kusal Mendis appointed to captain the ODI side.
Avishka Fernando recalled to ODI squad
Avishka Fernando has been recalled after a strong domestic run, amassing 447 runs in seven innings of the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament at an average of 63.85. His return is timely, as Sri Lanka seeks greater batting consistency against England and Pakistan.
All‑rounder Sahan Arachchige has also secured a spot. Fernando and Arachchige replace Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, the latter ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during the England tour. Aside from these swaps, Sri Lanka have kept the core lineup that contested the 2‑1 ODI series loss to England.
Sri Lanka will monitor the fitness of Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera ahead of the tournament. Nissanka has already been ruled out of the T20I series versus Pakistan and will join the tri‑series only if cleared medically. Chameera’s participation likewise hinges on receiving fitness clearance, adding another selection concern before the ODI competition starts.
The tri‑series kicks off on 18 October with Sri Lanka’s opening match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Each side will play a round‑robin stage in Rawalpindi before the action shifts to Lahore for the second round, culminating in the final on 31 October.
Sri Lanka squad for ODI tri-series: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga
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