Sri Lanka’s cricket board has revealed a 15-member squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches in Zimbabwe, but the exclusion of former skipper Angelo Mathews has raised eyebrows. The decision comes after Mathews’ lackluster performance in his last ODI at home, where he managed only 12 runs from 21 balls in a disappointing loss to Afghanistan. The right-handed batter was subsequently dropped from the following matches, both of which were won by Sri Lanka.
Pathirana roped in
The surprise inclusion in the squad is the talented young cricketer Matheesha Pathirana, who has made a name for himself in the cricketing world with his impressive performances for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathirana played a pivotal role in CSK’s successful campaign, claiming 19 wickets from 12 games with an economy rate of 8.01.
His consistent performances have earned him a well-deserved spot in Sri Lanka’s ICC World Cup Qualifiers team. Pathirana has played just one ODI and one T20i for his national team before this. Hence, his inclusion in the squad in a tournament where each game is valuable shows Sri Lanka’s confidence in the pacer’s skills.
Sri Lanka will kick off against UAE
The Sri Lankan team will kick off their qualifying campaign for the 2023 ODI World Cup on June 19, facing the United Arab Emirates in their opening match at Bulawayo. They will then compete against Oman, Ireland, and Scotland in subsequent matches. With the absence of Mathews, the team will look to their young talents, including Pathirana, to step up and make an impact.
Mathews’ exclusion from the squad has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts, as the seasoned player has been a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cricket for many years. However, the selectors’ decision reflects their commitment to building a competitive team for the qualifiers, focusing on current form and performances.
Sri Lanka squad for ICC World Cup Qualifiers: Dasun Shanaka (capt), Kusal Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushan Hemantha.
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