The Sri Lanka ‘A’ team, led by all-rounder Sahan Arachchige, will face Afghanistan ‘A’ in the first unofficial ODI of their five-match series, starting tomorrow (28) at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.
This series provides a great opportunity for Sri Lanka ‘A’ players, with selectors including a few national players to strengthen the team. They aim to assess these players’ performances for potential inclusion in the forthcoming T20 World Cup squad. The selectors are particularly focused on filling a few vacant slots in the national team, and they hope to see players from the Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad, as well as those participating in the ongoing NSL tournament, step up for these positions. They are considering adding a bowling all-rounder to the number 7 batting position, while also giving serious consideration to spinners and middle-order batsmen for the T20 World Cup squad.
The Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad has been named for the first two ODIs, and selectors are considering making a few changes after the second Afghanistan ‘A’ ODI. All five matches will take place at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, where the pitch tends to offer some turn, providing a challenge for pacemen due to the wind.
Last month, the Under-19 women’s Trination Cricket Tournament T20 series was held at the same venue, with both batsmen and bowlers benefiting from the conditions. Similar conditions can be expected for this Afghanistan ‘A’ ODI series.
Coach Avishka Gunawardena has had a good preparation period with the Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad in Colombo, and they will undergo two more days of training sessions at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium before the first ODI tomorrow.
Sahan Arachchige, the batting all-rounder who has played five ODIs with the national team, has been named as the Sri Lanka ‘A’ skipper for the first time. National Test team opener Nishan Madushka, wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka, and Nuwanidu Fernando have all had prior experience with the national team. Dushan Hementha, the right-arm leg spinner who toured with the national team for the last ODI World Cup, along with all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne and paceman Chamika Gunasekara, bring experience to the Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad. Young leg spinner Wanuja Sahan, former national Under-19 player and former Royal skipper Ahan Wickrmasinghe, have shown consistent performance at domestic level. Meanwhile, middle-order batter Pavan Ratnayake, former Mahanama skipper, has displayed strength in the middle order, having won the Man of the Final award in the last NSL limited-over tournament and is vying for a spot in the team.
Meanwhile, more than six national players are included in the Afghanistan ‘A’ squad, promising an intense contest during the five-match ODI series.
Coach Avishka Gunawardena emphasizes that ‘A’ matches are not just about results but also about identifying players who can contribute to the national team. This tournament provides valuable experience for all involved.
Some Afghanistan ‘A’ players have prior experience at the Hambantota grounds from their time with the Afghanistan national team, giving them an advantage.
The International Venue Administrator and Chief Curator Coordinator, Godfrey Dabrare, and his team are busy preparing the Hambantota wicket. Both teams will play their only four-day game at the P. Sara Oval grounds, starting from May 11.
The Sri Lanka ‘A’ and Afghanistan ‘A’ unofficial ODI matches will be held on April 28, 30, and May 3, 5, and 7 in Hambantota, all scheduled as day matches.
Sri Lanka A squad for 1 St and 2nd unofficial ODIs
Sahan Arachchige (Capt), Lahiru Udara, Minod Bhanuka, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Pavan Ratnayake, Ahan Wickrmasinghe, Dushan Hementha, Wanuja Sahan, Nimesh Vimukthi, Chamika Karunaratne, Chamika Gunasekara, Mohamed Shiraz, Kamil Mishara
Dhammika Ratnaweera