In anticipation for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka has assembled a formidable 16-man squad. The team captained by Kusal Mendis recovered from a poor performance in the ODI World Cup by winning the one-off Test against Afghanistan by ten wickets and the series against Zimbabwe. In the white-ball series, which is scheduled to start on February 9 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, they would try to do the same.
It's interesting to note that Dasun Shanaka, the former captain of the ODI team, has been benched by the management. The all-rounder was the star of Sri Lanka's spectacular victory in the Asia Cup 2022, but when his form declined recently, the selection committee was compelled to look at other choices.
Among the players in form are Janith Liyanage and captain Mendis, who both excelled at the bat during the series against Zimbabwe in January. The bowlers were equally outstanding; in Sri Lanka's 2-0 series victory, Wanindu Hasaranaga, who was back, ended up taking the most wickets. They would be optimistic about their chances with it, but playing Afghanistan in a white-ball series will never guarantee success.