Sri Lanka retains core squad for ODIs against Bangladesh

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Sri Lanka Cricket has named a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, scheduled for July 2, 5, and 8. The first two matches will be played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS) in Colombo, while the final game will move to the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (PICS).

Charith Asalanka will lead the side, continuing his captaincy following a strong run of form earlier this year. The squad includes top-order batters Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Nishan Madushka, with middle-order strength from Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Kamindu Mendis. Janith Liyanage and all-rounder Dunith Wellalage add further depth to the lineup. 

Sri Lanka’s formidable spin attack will be led by Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, while the pace department features Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Milan Rathnayake, pending a fitness clearance.

This series comes on the back of Sri Lanka’s dominant performance against Australia in February. In that two-match home series, Sri Lanka swept Australia 2–0 with convincing wins in both games. 

In the first ODI, captain Charith Asalanka starred with an unbeaten 127 as Sri Lanka defended a modest total of 214 by bowling out Australia for 165. 

In the second ODI, Sri Lanka posted 281 for 4, thanks to Kusal Mendis’s century and Asalanka’s quickfire 78. Their bowlers then demolished the Australian lineup for just 107, sealing a 174-run victory and series whitewash.

Sri Lanka’s spinners, particularly Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga, played a decisive role in that series, and they are expected to be equally impactful against Bangladesh, especially on spin-friendly home pitches. The pace bowlers, including Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka, also impressed with both discipline and aggression, offering balance to the bowling attack.

Earlier, Bangladesh has also named a strong squad for the upcoming series. Key fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman return after recovering from injury, to boost to the visitors’ pace attack. T20I captain Litton Das has been recalled after missing the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. 

Shamim Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Hasan Mahmud and Mohammad Naim are also included in the squad, with recently retired duo Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim among the players to drop out of the squad that went winless at the Champions Trophy.