Avishka Fernando is set to return to Sri Lanka’s ODI setup for the first time since February 2025 after being recalled for the upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and England.
Sri Lanka have named a 16-member squad for the tri-series, with spin-bowling allrounder Sahan Arachchige also earning a recall in place of the injured Wanindu Hasaranga.
Avishka’s return comes at the expense of Charith Asalanka, whose latest stint with the national side has proved brief. The former captain was also omitted from Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for the Pakistan series immediately preceding the tri-series. No vice-captain has been appointed for the ODI side following Asalanka’s omission.
Avishka Earns Recall After Domestic Surge
The 27-year-old has forced his way back into contention with a strong run of form in domestic cricket.
Avishka has scored two centuries in his last three List A appearances, including a career-best 160. He is currently the leading run-scorer in Sri Lanka’s Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament, having accumulated 447 runs at an average of 63.85.
His return gives Sri Lanka another aggressive option at the top of the order, although his route into the playing XI could depend on how the selectors balance him alongside captain Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara.
Nissanka’s availability is still subject to fitness after he suffered a hamstring injury following Sri Lanka’s limited-overs tour of England in September.
Arachchige Replaces Injured Hasaranga
Arachchige returns to the ODI setup after playing a key role in Sri Lanka’s bronze-medal campaign at the Asian Games. He scored 33 off 37 balls in the third-place playoff against Bangladesh.
His most recent ODI appearance came in January 2024, while his five-match ODI career has produced a highest score of 57.
His List A strike rate of 73.97 and ODI strike rate of 66.41 suggest there is room for improvement with the bat, but his explosive form in LPL 2026 could have strengthened his case. He scored 240 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 147.23 during the tournament.
Asalanka Omission Marks Major Change
Arachchige’s inclusion also raises questions over whether he can fill the role previously occupied by Asalanka.
Despite a difficult England tour, Asalanka had been a consistent presence in Sri Lanka’s ODI setup since making his debut in 2021. He has scored 3,246 runs in 88 ODIs at an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 90.11.
The remainder of the squad is largely unchanged from the group that suffered a 3-0 ODI series defeat in England.
Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka provide further batting options, while Sri Lanka have retained four frontline fast bowlers in Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka.
Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage and Dunith Wellalage form the spin department.
Sri Lanka will begin their tri-series campaign against hosts Pakistan on October 18 in Rawalpindi, with England completing the three-team competition.
Sri Lanka squad for tri-series vs Pakistan and England
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (C), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga
