Sri Lanka's dalliance with Angelo Mathews in ODIs seems to have been short-lived after the veteran was overlooked from the 15-man squad set to fly out to Zimbabwe for the World Cup Qualifier later this month.Mathews had been recalled to the ODI side forward of Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand earlier this yr following an absence of two years. The resolution had given the 36-year-old hopes of a World Cup swansong. However, following a string of subpar showings - since his return, he has made scores of 18, 0 and 12 - he was dropped from the enjoying XI forward of the second ODI in opposition to Afghanistan final week.Sadeera Samarawickrama, Mathews' alternative for that match, made a brisk 44, which noticed him retain his place within the third ODI that adopted, although he wasn't required to bat. Thus, Mathews, who has 221 ODIs beneath his belt, now appears unlikely so as to add to that quantity.His recall forward of the Afghanistan collection, together with that of Dimuth Karunaratne, was seen as a shift from the selectors to focus extra on expertise throughout a World Cup yr. But Karunaratne's retention for the World Cup Qualifier is proof that he stays of their minds, although the 35-year-old definitely appears to have earned his alternative, racking up back-to-back fifties on his return to the ODI facet as Sri Lanka secured a come-from-behind collection win in opposition to Afghanistan.

The remainder of the squad, although, has few surprises. The batting unit largely picks itself, with captain Dasun Shanaka main the likes of Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva and Samarawickrama.

Hemantha earned his maiden cap within the first ODI in opposition to Afghanistan, stepping in for the injured Hasaranga. However, upon Hasaranga's return to the XI, he didn't characteristic for the remainder of the collection. His inclusion appears to be based mostly totally on his skill to behave as cowl for Hasaranga, although he has impressed domestically within the latest previous.

Where Sri Lanka's trump playing cards lie, although, is of their energetic - although fragile - seam division. Dushmantha Chameera, who made a formidable return to motion within the Afghanistan collection after ten months out, heads it, though his workload nonetheless wants managing. The identical goes for Lahiru Kumara, who's able to specific tempo but in addition, far too usually, of not having the ability to full his spells owing to niggling accidents - most not too long ago within the first ODI in opposition to Afghanistan.

Kasun Rajitha, who rounds out the lot, who, just isn't specific however will be relied upon for some early swing, and nagging traces and lengths.

Sri Lanka start their qualifying marketing campaign on June 19 in opposition to UAE in Bulawayo, previous to which they'll play three warm-up video games.

Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (capt), Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana