Overview:
Only fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka missed out because of a knee injury and was replaced by Eshan Malinga, who is likely to make his ODI debut during the series.
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Sri Lanka are ranked No. 4 in the ODI rankings, one place ahead of Pakistan, and have won bilateral series at home against Australia and Bangladesh, as well as beating Zimbabwe in its last away ODI series.
Unlike South Africa, which visited Pakistan without seven of its front-line white-ball players, Sri Lanka have named a full-strength ODI squad, led by Charith Asalanka.
Only fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka missed out because of a knee injury and was replaced by Eshan Malinga, who is likely to make his ODI debut during the series.
Asalanka believed Pakistan would be tough to beat in its own home conditions.
“That’s always a tough series when it comes to Pakistan, their home, their conditions,” Asalanka said.
“Pakistan played good cricket in their last series, and we too. We played 30-45 days ago in Zimbabwe and did really well, especially our ODI side has been doing really well.”
Pakistan is likely to prepare more batting-friendly wickets to negate the spin threat of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, with Jeffrey Vandersay another spin option for Sri Lanka.
The three-match ODI series will be followed by a T20 tri-series in Rawalpindi and Lahore, starting from Nov. 17, with Zimbabwe as the other team.