Sri Lanka Announces Squad for Upcoming ODI Series Against Bangladesh - Charith Asalanka to Lead

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place on July 2, 5, and 8. Middle-order batter Charith Asalanka has been appointed captain for the series, which marks Sri Lanka's return to ODI cricket after a five-month break.

Return to ODIs After Dominant Australia Series:

This will be Sri Lanka's first 50-over assignment since their impressive 2-0 series win against Australia in February 2025. The team, however, faces a few injury concerns ahead of the series. Senior batter and vice-captain Kusal Mendis is reportedly managing a shoulder issue and could be under watch throughout the series.

New Faces and Notable Absentees:

The squad features a mix of familiar faces and new inclusions. Milan Rathnayake, who impressed in domestic cricket and earned his Test debut earlier this year, has received a maiden ODI call-up. However, his availability is subject to a fitness test after sustaining an injury during the first Test against Bangladesh.

In the fast-bowling department, Sri Lanka will be without experienced seamer Dushmantha Chameera. Instead, the selectors have placed their trust in Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, and the promising Eshan Malinga to lead the pace attack.

Strong Batting Core Around Nissanka and Asalanka:

The batting unit includes top-order mainstays Sadeera Samarawickrama,Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando.Nissanka, in particular, will be key to Sri Lanka's hopes after his stellar performances during the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. Nishan Madushka, Janith Liyanage, and Kamindu Mendis give the lineup even more depth.

Chasing Redemption Against Bangladesh:

After losing back-to-back away ODI series against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka is keen to reverse the trend. Remarkably, since 2019, Sri Lanka has failed to defeat Bangladesh in a bilateral ODI series.But  they do have a considerable edge while playing at home because they have a strong record against Bangladesh in ODIs played in Sri Lanka, having lost just two since 1986. As of right now, the hosts have won six straight home games versus Bangladesh.

Nando, 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

SL vs BAN ODI Series Schedule

With the ODI World Cup cycle in full swing, this series offers Sri Lanka a chance to regroup and solidify its limited-overs setup against a competitive Bangladesh side. All eyes will be on how the new-look squad performs under Asalanka's leadership.