Lahiru Udara has been named as Nissanka’s replacement after the opener suffered a fresh fitness setback ahead of the ODI leg.
Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback ahead of the ODI tri-series in Pakistan, with Pathum Nissanka ruled out after complaining of pain in his leg during preparations on Tuesday.
The selectors have named Lahiru Udara as Nissanka’s replacement for the tournament, which features hosts Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka.
Nissanka’s absence is a significant blow for Sri Lanka, who will be without one of their most dependable batters in white-ball cricket for a crucial stretch of international competition.
The opener had missed the T20I leg of the Pakistan tour while undergoing rehabilitation and had been expected to rejoin the side for the ODI series. However, his latest complaint has forced a change in plans, with Udara drafted into the squad.
Udara was part of Sri Lanka’s T20I squad and now has an opportunity to make his mark in the ODI leg of the tour.
Sri Lanka lost the T20I series 2-1, and the focus will now shift to the 50-over format as they look to make a stronger impression against Pakistan and England.
Nissanka’s absence leaves Sri Lanka without a key top-order option, placing greater responsibility on the remaining batters to provide solid starts and build the foundations for competitive totals. His consistency and ability to anchor an innings make him a valuable component of Sri Lanka’s white-ball batting line-up.
For Udara, the call-up represents an opportunity to establish himself in the ODI set-up. The selectors will hope he can make the most of his chance as Sri Lanka prepare for a demanding series against two strong opponents.
Sri Lanka will be keen to manage their resources carefully, with Nissanka’s fitness also an important consideration beyond the immediate tournament.
The ODI tri-series is scheduled to run from October 18 to 31, with Sri Lanka facing Pakistan and England in a competition that offers an important test of their batting depth and ability to compete consistently against quality opposition.
