Dimuth Karunaratne makes a comeback as SL construct for ODI Global Cup

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Opening batter Dimuth Karunaratne has been recalled to Sri Lanka’s ODI squad, greater than two years after he ultimate performed a 50-over sport in global cricket. Additionally returning is speedy bowler Dushmantha Chameera, who had overlooked the New Zealand excursion in March 2023 after present process ankle surgical treatment.

Legspinning allrounder Dushan Hemantha is the one uncapped participant within the 16-man squad to stand Afghanistan in 3 ODIs, beginning on Friday. There was once no room for left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage alternatively, whilst wicketkeeper Kusal Perera is out with a hamstring damage.

Karunaratne’s presence is a sign that the selectors are as soon as once more set to fall again on his enjoy in a Global Cup 12 months, after he’d led Sri Lanka within the 2019 version. They’d additionally recalled Angelo Mathews previous within the 12 months, and feature persistently had Dhananjaya de Silva within the center order as smartly. Karunaratne could also be poised to open along Pathum Nissanka. Nuwanidu Fernando, who had opened the batting in New Zealand, was once now not picked for this sequence.

Hemantha, 29, is one thing of a marvel variety. He had now not been particularly spectacular with the bat on this 12 months’s Nationwide Tremendous League – Sri Lanka’s best Listing A event. However he were excellent with the ball, taking 13 wickets at a mean of 23.61 throughout 8 suits. It’s imaginable he’s there as duvet for Wanindu Hasaranga, who’s “recently present process rehabilitation for a foot damage” in accordance the Sri Lanka Criket unlock. The one different frontline spinner within the squad is Maheesh Theekshana.

Each and every of the 3 suits might be performed at Hambantota. For Afghanistan, it’ll be a part of their lead-up to the Global Cup, having already certified for the marquee tournament. Sri Lanka, in the meantime, are but to seal their position. They should play the qualifying event in Zimbabwe subsequent month; those suits will function preparation.

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

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