Pathirana is included in Sri Lanka’s ODI World Cup qualifying lineup in place of Mathews: Young bowler Matheesgha Pathirana has been included in Sri Lanka’s 15-man team for their Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, set to be conducted in Zimbabwe from June 18–July, according to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Friday.
The former captain Mathews hit 12 runs off of just 21 balls as Sri Lanka fell to Afghanistan by six wickets in the opening game of their recent three-match series in Hambantota. He was then benched for the following two games, which the hosts won.
In the most recent Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Pastrana helped Chennai Super Kings win their fifth championship by taking 19 wickets. The 20-year-old earned his OIDI debut earlier this month against Afghanistan. His slingy movement is similar to that of legendary fast bowler Lasith Malinga.
In addition to him, the squad for the qualifiers includes 29-year-old Dushan Hemantha, who also played in an ODI against Afghanistan. The United Arab Emirates, Oman, Ireland, and Scotland are in Group B with Sri Lanka, the 1996 World Cup champion.
On June 19, they will face the UAE in their opening game of the competition. The finalist from the 10-team qualifying competition will secure the final two seats for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be held in India in October and November.
In the Super Six stage, which the top three teams from each group advance to, each team plays three matches against opponents it did not face during the group round. Except for the bottom two teams from each group, all points won in the groups will be carried over to the Super Six stage, where the winner will be determined and guaranteed a spot in the ODI World Cup in India.
Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Kusal Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushan Hemantha, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Wanindu Hasaranga.
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