(Source X)
Mohamed Shiraz is poised to make his international debut, having been selected in the Sri Lanka Cricket Team for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India on home soil.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has included Shiraz in their ODI squad for the series against India. The 29-year-old fast bowler has been called up to cover for the injured Matheesha Pathirana in the squad.
Mohamed Shiraz set for Sri Lanka debut against India
He has been a standout performer in domestic cricket, showcasing his versatility as a batsman with over 500 runs across various formats. Currently representing Burgher Recreation Club in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament, Shiraz has been making significant strides.
Notably, Shiraz recently delivered a remarkable performance, claiming his best List-A bowling figures of 6 wickets for 21 runs against Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club. In his career spanning 47 List A matches, he has amassed 80 wickets at an impressive average of 17.52.
Beyond List A cricket, the 29-year-old has a wealth of experience in first-class cricket, featuring in 49 matches and securing 125 wickets with an exceptional economy rate of 3.65 and an average of 31. His T20 record is also notable, having taken 23 wickets in as many games in Sri Lanka’s domestic competitions.
Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara ruled out of India ODIs following their absence in the T20I series.
Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera, recovering from bronchitis and a respiratory infection, will continue to be sidelined for the ODI series against India. Similarly, Nuwan Thushara will miss out after fracturing his thumb during pre-series training.
In contrast, 24-year-old Nishan Madushka earns his maiden ODI call-up following a stellar start to his Test career, highlighted by a double century in just eight matches. He now looks to replicate his success in the ODI format.
The three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and India commences with the first match at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 2, followed by the second and third ODIs on August 4 and August 7, all to be held at the same venue.
I am disappointed: Charith Asalanka on the T20I series drubbing
After a disappointing 0-3 defeat in the T20I series against the Indian cricket team at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka aims to bounce back strongly in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Colombo.
After losing the T20I series to Team India, Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Charith Asalanka stated: “I am really disappointed about our batting line-up, especially middle-order and late middle-order. Very bad shot selection was the reason. Spinners were bowling; that’s why Hasaranga came up with the order. We gave him the license to hit one or two boundaries; that didn’t work for us. Wrong shot selection on this pitch.
When the ball gets old, our shot selection should be spot-on; it’s really hard to bat on these tracks. Definitely, we can’t give excuses. As professional cricketers, we need to do a little bit more than this. I want to see good batting performances in the ODIs, not like T20s. Our top three and four have done well, and that’s the only positive I have. Boys will do something better.”
Sri Lanka squad for India ODIs
Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz.
