Samarawickrama, Madushanka Earn Sri Lanka ODI Recall for Bangladesh Series; Rathnayake's Inclusion Hinges on Fitness

Samarawickrama, Madushanka Return to Sri Lanka's ODI Squad for Bangladesh Series

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

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 a standout performer, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the series with 197 runs across 4 innings, including a century and a half-century. Madushanka also participated in that series, claiming 8 wickets in 4 matches with a notable best of 4 for 37.

Milan Rathnayake has also been included in the ODI squad for the Bangladesh series, but his participation is contingent upon his fitness. Rathnayake featured in the first Test against Bangladesh but was subsequently sidelined from the second match due to a side strain.

Several players from Sri Lanka's previous ODI assignment – the series against Australia earlier this year – will be absent. These include Nuwanidu Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Mohamed Shiraz.

The ODI series is scheduled to commence on July 2 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, which will also host the second match on July 5. The third and final game will be held in Pallekele on July 10. Following the ODI series, a three-match T20I series will take place.

Here is the Sri Lanka ODI squad:

Sri Lanka ODI squad: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake (subject to fitness), Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga