Sri Lanka drop Dasun Shanaka for Afghanistan ODIs

Former captain Dasun Shanaka has been left out of the Sri Lanka squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting on Friday (February 9). 

Middle-order batter Nuwanidu Fernando and legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay also miss out, while fast-bowling all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne and opener Shevon Daniel have been included in the squad.

Pathum Nissanka, who missed the last series against Zimbabwe due to injury, is also back.

Shanaka has been in terrible form of late. In the last 25 ODIs, the 32-year-old has only managed only 245 runs at an average of 12.25. He was removed from captaincy ahead of the Zimbabwe series but had retained his place in the XI.

Karunaratne is likely to replace Shanaka in the XI. The 27-year-old has an average of 25.05 with the bat in 26 ODIs and has also claimed 24 wickets @ 31.87.

All three ODIs (February 9 - 14) will be played in Pallekele. 

Squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Shevon Daniel, Janith Liyanage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga.