Samarawickrama, Madushanka Return to Sri Lanka ODI Squad for Bangladesh Series; Rathnayake's Inclusion Hinges on Fitness

Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dilshan Madushanka have been named in Sri Lanka's 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh. Both players are making their return to the ODI setup after last playing against New Zealand in November 2024.

Sadeera Samarawickrama last played for Sri Lanka in November 2024 © Getty

Samarawickrama's most recent List-A appearance was for Sri Lanka A in the 50-over tri-series held in Abu Dhabi, which also included Ireland A and Afghanistan A. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the series, accumulating 197 runs in 4 innings, including one century and one half-century. Madushanka also participated in that series, taking 8 wickets in 4 matches, with his best figures being 4 for 37.

Milan Rathnayake has also been selected for the ODI squad for the Bangladesh series, but his participation is contingent upon his fitness. Rathnayake played in the first Test against Bangladesh but was subsequently ruled out of the second match due to a side strain.

Several players who were part of Sri Lanka's previous ODI assignment against Australia earlier this year, including Nuwanidu Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Mohamed Shiraz, will not be participating in this series.

The series is scheduled to commence on July 2, with the R Premadasa stadium in Colombo hosting the first and second matches on July 2 and July 5, respectively. The third and final game will be held in Pallekele on July 10. Following the ODI series, a three-match T20I series will also take place.

The Sri Lanka ODI squad is as follows:

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