Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out of Zimbabwe ODIs, Sri Lanka Name 16-Member Squad

Sri Lanka will be without star allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga for their upcoming two-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, as the leg-spinner continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained during the T20I series against Bangladesh in July.

Hasaranga, who also missed the ODI leg of the Bangladesh tour, has not been cleared for selection and will sit out the Zimbabwe series as well. In his absence, Sri Lanka have named a 16-member squad led by Charith Asalanka, featuring a mix of youth and experience.

One of the notable inclusions is 25-year-old top-order batter Nuwanidu Fernando, who makes a return to the ODI setup after last playing against New Zealand in early 2024. Also earning a maiden ODI call-up is 22-year-old Pavan Rathnayake, rewarded for his consistent performances in domestic cricket.

Sri Lanka ODI Squad for Zimbabwe Series:

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

Avishka Fernando and Eshan Malinga, who were part of the recent Bangladesh series, have been left out of the squad. However, the core batting group remains intact, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Nishan Madushka expected to shoulder the responsibility at the top.

The bowling attack features a strong pace trio in Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, and Asitha Fernando, while the spin department will be handled by Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and Jeffrey Vandersay.

The two ODIs are scheduled to take place in Harare on August 29 and August 31. The series will be followed by a three-match T20I series, with Sri Lanka hoping to build momentum ahead of a busy international calendar.