Avishka’s return follows an impressive streak on the domestic circuit, where he has scored two centuries, including a career-best 160, in his last three List A games. He’s currently the leading run-scorer in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament, Sri Lanka’s domestic 50-over competition, where he currently has 447 runs at an average of 63.85.
Avishka gives Sri Lanka arguably their most capable top-order option in terms of boundary-clearing ability in recent memory. However, it remains to be seen how he is included in the playing XI alongside the likes of other top-order options in Pathum Nissanka, skipper Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara. Nissanka’s selection, though, is subject to fitness after he suffered a hamstring injury following the limited-overs tour of England in September.
Whether Arachchige is an adequate upgrade on Asalanka, though, is up for debate. Despite a lean England tour, former skipper Asalanka had been a mainstay in the ODI side since his debut in 2021, averaging 40.55 at a strike rate of 90.11 across 88 ODIs.
The rest of Sri Lanka’s squad lines up unchanged to the one that was clean swept 3-0 in England, with Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka comprising the remaining batting options.
Sri Lanka also persist with four frontline pace options in Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka. Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage and Dunith Wellalage make up the spin contingent.
The tri-series against Pakistan and England begins on October 18, with Sri Lanka taking on Pakistan in the series opener in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka squad for tri-series vs Pakistan and England
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (capt, wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga
