Sri Lankan declaration for Bangladesh ODI series is not surprising as Squad

Charith Asalanka will lead a 16-member Sri Lanka squad against Bangladesh in the three-match ODI series, starting July 2. This will be Sri Lanka’s first ODI assignment since their 2-0 ODI series victory against Australia in February. As Sri Lanka return to ODIs after five months, they will be worried about Kusal Mendis’s shoulder injury. Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium will host the first two ODIs while the third ODI will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on July 8.

While there is no Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lanka will keep their faith in Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga in the pace bowling unit. Milan Rathnayake has also received a maiden ODI call-up. But his availability is subject to fitness. He suffered an injury during SL vs BAN 1st Test. In batting, Sri Lanka will rely heavily on Pathum Nissanka after his exploits in the Test series.

Sri Lanka have not won an ODI series against Bangladesh since 2019. The last two ODI series were conducted in Bangladesh, with Sri Lanka losing both. Now, Sri Lanka have a chance to avenge their ODI losses at home.

At home, Sri Lanka have lost only two ODIs against Bangladesh since 1986. At the moment, they are on a six-match winning streak against Bangladesh at home. Overall, Sri Lanka have had the upper hand, winning 43 out of 57 ODIs. But in the last five encounters, Sri Lanka have lost three times, including in the World Cup 2023.

Sri Lanka squad for Bangladesh ODIs

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake (subject to fitness), Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga

SL vs BAN ODI Schedule