Sri Lanka has moved to restructure its ODI squad for the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan, omitting former vice-captain Charith Asalanka. The decision follows a poor run of form for the 88-match veteran, who managed only 1, 11, and 7 runs during the recent one-day leg of the England tour. This exclusion continues a trend for Asalanka, who was also left out of the preceding three-match T20I squad against Pakistan after serving as interim captain during the England series due to Kusal Mendis’s hamstring injury. Asalanka, who averages 40.55 in 88 ODIs, has been left out following scores of 1, 11 and 7 during the one-day leg of the recent tour of England.
To bolster the batting lineup, selectors have recalled Avishka Fernando and Sahan Arachchige. Fernando enters the squad following a dominant domestic performance in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament, where he tallied 447 runs across seven innings at a 63.85 average. They replace Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, with the latter sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained in England. The remainder of the squad stays consistent with the unit that lost the recent ODI series 2-1 to England.
Fitness remains a critical factor for the traveling party, particularly regarding Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera. Sri Lanka Cricket has specified that Nissanka, already out for the T20Is, will only join the tour if he is declared medically fit. Chameera remains a conditional selection, with his participation contingent on passing final fitness evaluations.
The tri-series schedule begins on October 18 in Rawalpindi with an opening match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Teams will compete in a round-robin format in Rawalpindi before shifting to Lahore for the second round of fixtures, culminating in the final match of the tournament on October 31.
