Sri Lanka has suffered a setback ahead of the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan, with a key opening batter ruled out of the tournament due to injury. With the competition set to feature three international sides, the team will have to make an adjustment to its batting lineup before the opening match. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed the development on October 15, announcing a replacement as the team prepares for the tournament, which begins on October 18.
Pathum Nissanka ruled out of ODI tri-series
On October 15, Sri Lanka Cricket announced that opening batter Pathum Nissanka would miss the upcoming ODI tri-series involving Sri Lanka, Pakistan and England. The right-handed batter sustained an injury to his left thigh during Sri Lanka’s recently concluded tour of England and has yet to receive medical clearance to return to competitive cricket.
As a result, Nissanka will be unavailable for the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on October 18. Sri Lanka are set to face hosts Pakistan in the opening match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. To fill the vacancy, the selectors have named Lahiru Udara as Nissanka’s replacement in the ODI squad. Udara will join a squad led by Kusal Mendis, who will also take up wicketkeeping duties during the series.
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Sri Lanka prepare for ODI tri-series in Pakistan
The upcoming tri-series will feature Sri Lanka, Pakistan and England, with all three teams scheduled to compete in a double round-robin format before the final on October 31. The matches will be played across Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the top two teams qualifying for the title decider at Gaddafi Stadium. Sri Lanka will begin their campaign against Pakistan on October 18 before taking on the other two teams in the remaining league matches.
Pakistan will be led by ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf among the key names in their squad. England, meanwhile, will be captained by Harry Brook, with experienced batter Joe Root expected to be among the notable players in the setup. For Sri Lanka, Nissanka’s absence means the team will have to adjust its opening combination ahead of the competition. Udara’s inclusion gives the side another batting option as they look to make a strong start to the tournament.
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