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The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced their one-day international squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of Zimbabwe, a crucial stop on their schedule before the Men’s Asia Cup 2025. The selection has drawn significant attention, primarily due to the conspicuous absence of two key players: the in-form all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and the promising young pacer Eshan Malinga. The squad, set to depart for Zimbabwe, is a mix of established names and new faces, tasked with finding rhythm and cohesion in a vital series. The two-match ODI series will begin from August 29.
No Wanindu Hasaranga in Sri Lanka’s ODI squad
Hasaranga’s absence from the ODI squad could be a direct consequence of an unfortunate injury, a hamstring strain he suffered during the third and final ODI against Bangladesh. This is a significant blow for Sri Lanka, given his phenomenal form in that series, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with nine scalps at an exceptional average of 11.67. His contributions with both bat and ball make him an indispensable part of the team’s balance, a dynamic all-rounder capable of turning a match on its head. The selectors probably have chosen a cautious approach, allowing him time to recover, but his fitness remains a major concern ahead of the Asia Cup. His presence in the team would be crucial for their spin attack, which now relies heavily on others to step up and fill the void left by their premier leg-spinner.
Eshan Malinga’s absence from the Zimbabwe tour
The exclusion of young fast-bowler Malinga from the ODI squad, despite his IPL experience with Sunrisers Hyderabad, seems to be a strategic decision by the Sri Lankan selectors. Following a subpar performance in the recent SLC T20 League, it appears the selectors are opting to manage his workload and potentially groom him exclusively for the T20 format. The text indicates that Malinga is being viewed as a ‘T20 specialist’ and a ‘crucial part’ of the team’s plans for the Asia Cup in the UAE. This suggests that the management is prioritizing his development for the shortest format, believing his skills and pace are best suited for T20Is.
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Sri Lanka ODI squad for the tour of Zimbabwe:
Charith Asalanka (Captain), 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.
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