Sri Lanka Recalls Samarawickrama, Madushanka for ODI Series Against Bangladesh; Rathnayake Inclusion Hinges on Fitness

Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dilshan Madushanka have been recalled to the Sri Lankan ODI squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. The 16-member squad was announced recently, marking the return of both players who last played in the ODI series against New Zealand in November 2024.

The right-hander last played for Sri Lanka in November 2024 © Getty

Samarawickrama showcased his form in the 50-over tri-series in Abu Dhabi, representing Sri Lanka A alongside Ireland A and Afghanistan A. He emerged as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 197 runs in 4 innings, including a century and a half-century. Madushanka also participated in the same series, claiming 8 wickets in 4 matches with an impressive best of 4 for 37.

Milan Rathnayake has also been named in the ODI squad for the Bangladesh series, but his inclusion hinges on 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 against Australia earlier this year will be missing from this series, including 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, followed by a three-match T20I series.

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