Zim in SL: Sri Lanka names ODI squad; Chandimal dropped

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) released the squad for the first two One Day Internationals against the visiting Zimbabwe side but the selectors had opted to drop Dinesh Chandimal.

In place of Chandimal, uncapped Wanindu Hasaranga, a 19-year-old spin allrounder, has been called in into the Sri Lanka squad. 

The Sri Lanka squad also includes speedsters Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka and spinner Akila Dananjaya. 

"We only selected the side for the first two games. We haven't selected the side for the rest of the series. We are looking at different combinations and that's one of the reasons why we have selected this team to play in Galle. The conditions in Galle will be a bit different to those in Hambantota. If we are bringing in any youngsters, we wanted to make sure we have some senior players in the team as well," Asanga Gurusinha, Sri Lanka's Cricket Manager and Selector stated.

Chandimal emerged as Sri Lanka's highest ODI run getter in 2016 but his form was deviating in 2017. 

But Gurusinha stated that Chandimal will be part of the squad in Sri Lanka's plans but was given a break to give a few youngsters the opportunity. 

The first and second ODIs between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be played on Friday (30) and Sunday (2) at the Galle International Stadium. 

The remaining three ODIs of the five-match series will be played at Hambantota on July 6, 8 and 10. 

SL squad for first two ODIs: Angelo Mathews (Capt), Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Wanidu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Nuwan Pradeep, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka.