Dimuth recalled for Afghanistan ODI series

Dimuth Karunaratne 

Former captain Dimuth Karunaratne was recalled to Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the first two matches in the three ODI series against Afghanistan starting in Hambantota this Friday 
Also included is fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, making a welcome return having not played international cricket since October last year when he picked up an injury during the early stages of Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign.  

There was hope that Chameera could return earlier this year when Sri Lanka toured New Zealand, their last opportunity to automatically qualify for this year’s Cricket World Cup, but a fresh setback meant that plan was shelved.  

Karunaratne captained Sri Lanka’s ODI team until he was axed following the tour of West Indies in 2021, with selectors pointing out a poor strike rate.  

But with recent batting failures leading to calls to strengthen the team with experienced batters, Karunaratne has been included, joining Angelo Mathews as the seasoned players in the squad.   

Sri Lanka ODI squad:
 Dasun Shanaka (capt.), Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana