In an important announcement, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has unveiled the 15-member squad that will represent the country in the upcoming ODI World Cup Qualifiers, set to take place in Zimbabwe. The squad, approved by Roshan Ranasinghe, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sri Lanka, is scheduled to depart for Zimbabwe on Saturday, June 10.
Of particular significance, SLC has confirmed the inclusion of former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, who serves as a consultant coach for the national team. Jayawardene will accompany the squad during the crucial qualifiers. SLC has also stated that a limited support staff will be sent for the qualifiers, with the possibility of more members being added if the team secures a spot in the 2023 ODI World Cup, slated to be held in India in October-November.
“We have to send a limited support staff for the Zimbabwe trip. But, yes, if our team qualifies for the World Cup, we will certainly try to send them,” said Prof. Arjuna de Silva, chairman of the SLC medical panel, as quoted by The Daily Mirror.
The Sri Lankan team enters the ICC event on the back of a 2-1 victory over Afghanistan in the recently concluded three-match ODI series at home. The World Cup Qualifiers are set to kick off on Sunday, June 18, with the finals scheduled for July 9.
Sri Lanka finds themselves placed in Group B alongside Ireland, Oman, Scotland, and UAE. It’s worth noting that ten teams are participating in the qualifiers, and the two finalists will secure their spots in the ODI World Cup in India.
Under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lankan team will play two warm-up matches against the Netherlands and the United States on June 13 and June 15, respectively. The Lankan Lions will commence their group stage campaign on Monday, June 19, facing off against the UAE.
Sri Lanka Squad for Qualifiers:
– Dasun Shanaka (captain)
– Kusal Mendis (vice-captain & wicketkeeper)
– Dimuth Karunaratne
– Pathum Nissanka
– Charith Asalanka
– Dhananjaya de Silva
– Sadeera Samarawickrama (wicketkeeper)
– Wanindu Hasaranga
– Chamika Karunaratne
– Dushmantha Chameera
– Kasun Rajitha
– Lahiru Kumara
– Maheesh Theekshana
– Matheesha Pathirana
– Dushan Hemantha
