Sri Lanka have named a 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match ODI series in Zimbabwe which is slated to start from August 29. Sri Lanka are scheduled to tour Zimbabwe for a two-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20I contest. However, a notable omission from the team is star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained during the T20I series against Bangladesh in July. Hasaranga was ruled out of that series and has not been cleared to play in this tour.
Meanwhile, top-order batter Nuwanidu Fernando, 25, is making his return to the squad. Fernando's last ODI appearance for Sri Lanka was in 2024 against New Zealand. The Charith Asalanka-led side is fresh off a 2-1 ODI series win against Bangladesh at home last month. Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe will kick off with the first of two ODIs on August 29 in Harare, followed by a three-match T20I series.
Sri Lanka's last limited-overs tour of Zimbabwe was in November 2008, a trip where they completely dominated the hosts. They won the five-match series in a clean sweep, thanks to outstanding performances from several key players. Kumar Sangakkara led the way with the bat, scoring 182 runs, while bowlers Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralidaran were in exceptional form, taking 15 and 11 wickets, respectively.
Notably, the entire series including two ODIs and three T20Is, are scheduled to be held at the Harare Sports Club. Following their tour of Zimbabwe, the Sri Lankan team's next challenge will be the Asia Cup 2025. They have been placed in Group B for the tournament, alongside Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
Sri Lanka's squad for ODI series against Zimbabwe:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka
The schedule:
1st ODI - August 29, Harare
2nd ODI - August 31, Harare
1st T20I - September 3, Harare
2nd T20I - September 6, Harare
3rd T20I - September 7, Harare