Sri Lanka draft in Wickramasinghe, drop Karunaratne

Rex Clementine in Dambulla

Sri Lanka have shaken up their ODI squad, bringing in seam bowling all-rounder Chaminda Wickramasinghe, while omitting Chamika Karunaratne. Wickramasinghe, who featured in the T20 series against the West Indies, made an appearance in the opening game but was sidelined for the rest as the selectors favored spin-bowling all-rounder Dunith Wellalage.

Wellalage, who had a standout series against India—where Sri Lanka clinched their first series win in 27 years—remains in the squad. He is expected to partner with leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana. Another leg-spinner, Jeffrey Vandersay, who impressed against India, is also included but likely won’t play the series opener. Vandersay had stepped in for the injured Hasaranga, but with the latter fit and contributing with the bat, Hasaranga remains the preferred wrist-spinner.

Janith Liyanage, another seam bowling all-rounder, joins Wickramasinghe, though both may miss out if the conditions in Pallekele favour spin. Meanwhile, Sadeera Samarawickrama retains his place in the squad but will likely serve as 12th man, with Kusal Mendis being the preferred wicketkeeper. Nishan Madushka also finds a spot in the squad.

On the pace front, left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka is expected to open the bowling alongside Asitha Fernando. Mohammad Shiraz retains his place, while sling-arm pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara have been excluded, signaling that they are viewed primarily as T20 specialists.

The first ODI is scheduled for Sunday, followed by two more on Wednesday and Saturday. Sri Lanka enter the series on a high, having won the three-match T20 series against the West Indies. After losing the first game by five wickets, Sri Lanka bounced back with commanding victories by 73 runs and nine wickets, marking their first-ever T20 series win over the Windies.

Ranked seventh in ODIs, Sri Lanka face a West Indies team placed 10th in the standings.

Sri Lanka ODI Squad:

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohammad Shiraz.