Sri Lanka drop Shanaka for ODIs against Afghanistan

Former captain Dasun Shanaka has been left out of Sri Lanka's 16-member ODI squad to face Afghanistan. Shanaka's is one of three omissions from the squad that was named for the series against Zimbabwe last month. Going after center request hitter Nuwanidu Fernando and legpsinner Jeffrey Vandersay are the other two to pass up a major opportunity, with allrounder Chamika Karunaratne and opening player Shevon Daniel coming in. Shanaka's expulsion from the one-day side doesn't shock or amaze anyone, his unfortunate structure in the configuration - his last 21 innings, extending back to January 2023, have brought him only one 50 years and a normal of 12.25. He had been taken out as white-ball chief in front of the Zimbabwe series however had held a spot in the playing XI - he was dropped for the third ODI following scores of 8 and 7 in the initial two games. Karunaratne, who will probably be his immediate substitution, last played for Sri Lanka at the World Cup in October-November. While he doesn't have Shanaka's roof as a power-hitter - validated by strike paces of 78.43 and 106.20 in ODIs and T20Is separately - his bowling has demonstrated successful in both white-ball designs. Both Fernando and Vandersay, notwithstanding, could have authentic complaints subsequent to being forgotten about. Fernando didn't play a solitary game against Zimbabwe, while Vandersay got good figures of 2 for 47 in the main game he got to bowl in during that series. The remainder of the crew finishes up true to form. Kusal Mendis heads serious areas of strength for a unit that incorporates Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage - Player of the Series against Zimbabwe - opener Daniel and allrounder Sahan Arachchige. On the bowling front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana head a twist division that likewise incorporates Akila Dananjaya and allrounders Dunith Wellalage and Arachchige. Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan and Karunaratne balance the crease bowling unit.