The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has recently revealed their one-day internationals squad for the upcoming games against Zimbabwe. Just before the Men’s Asia Cup T20 2025, Sri Lanka travels to Zimbabwe for two ODIs and three T20Is. For ODIs, Lanka have left out youngster Eshan Malinga, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL. Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga continues to be on the sidelines due to an injury.
Why is Wanindu Hasaranga not in ODI squad?
Wanindu Hasaranga was in superb form in Lanka’s previous ODI series against Bangladesh. While Kusal Mendis was the star of the show, Hasaranga ended up as the leading wicket-taker with 9 scalps at an outstanding bowling average of 11.67.
However, Hasaranga copped another hamstring injury during the third ODI clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Hence, the leg-spinner isn’t part of the Zimbabwe ODIs. It remains to be seen if he gets fit in time before the Asia Cup. Sri Lanka’s first match at the T20 Asia Cup will on September 13 against Bangladesh.
As for Malinga, he is an absentee as well. Malinga recently featured in the SLC T20 League, where he had a subpar performance. It seems Lanka are eyeing him as a T20 specialist and may be a crucial part in the UAE for Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka Squad for Zimbabwe ODIs
- Charith Asalanka – Captain
- Pathum Nissanka
- Nishan Madushka
- Kusal Mendis
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Dunith Wellalage
- Milan Rathnayake
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Jeffrey Vandersay
- Asitha Fernando
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Dilshan Madushanka
