Sadeera Samarawickrama included in Sri Lanka squad for remaining ODIs against Pakistan

The ongoing series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has the former team in a serious spot of bother. Having conceded a lead of 2-0 to the hosts in the very first 2 games of the 5-match ODI series, Sri Lanka is looking to bring in reinforcements to strengthen their line up. As a result, a top-order batsman, Sadeera Samarawickrama has been included in the Lankan squad for the remaining 3 ODIs against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka ended up losing both the ODIs played in the 5-match series by considerable margins. Apart from the valiant century by the skipper, Upul Tharanga in the 2nd ODI, the batting order of the team has looked out of sorts since the beginning of the limited-overs series. The 3rd ODI between the two teams is all set to be played at Abu Dhabi on October 18.

Sadeera Samarawickrama to represent national team instead of Sri Lanka ‘A’

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been able to pinpoint the problem afflicting the team and hence, seems intent on enforcing remedial measures. According to Cricbuzz, an SLC official said, “We found that the left-handers we have are struggling against off-spinners, so we thought of drafting in another right-hander.”

Although Samarawickrama had been slated to represent the Sri Lanka ‘A’ side in the Caribbean, visa issues had him help up at Colombo. The first 2 ODIs saw the Sri Lankan batting flail under pressure as they lost the games by 83 runs and 32 runs respectively.

Having won the Test series 2-0, Sri Lanka will attempt to turn things around in the ODI series as well, with the 3rd ODI having become a must-win situation for them.

On his part, Samarawickrama made his Test debut in Abu Dhabi earlier this month and possesses healthy First-Class figures of 2121 runs in 28 matches at an average of 46.10. He’s slated to fly into UAE on Wednesday and can be expected to make his appearance in the final two games of the series.