Lahiru Udara replaced Pathum Nissanka in Sri Lanka's ODI squad for the upcoming tri-nation series in Pakistan. Sri Lanka Cricket said on Thursday (October 15) that Nissanka failed to get medical clearance after a hamstring injury. Udara, who has played five Tests, now gets his chance to shine on field.
Pathum Nissanka won't be part of Sri Lanka's ODI squad for the tri-nation series in Pakistan as he is yet to receive a return-to-play medical clearance, Sri Lanka Cricket said on Thursday (October 15).
In Nissanka's absence, SLC have named Lahiru Udara as the replacement player in the ODI squad. Udara, who is yet to make his ODI debut, has played five Tests and seven T20Is for Sri Lanka. He featured in the three T20Is against England in September and also the three T20Is against Pakistan earlier this month.
Udara scored 91 in the first T20I against Pakistan, registering his maiden fifty-plus score in the format, while he also has a Test hundred - 188 against West Indies in July 2026.
Nissanka was named in the squad announced on October 4, with the condition that he would travel with the team only if declared medically fit. The right-handed opening batter had sustained a hamstring injury on the tour of England and was also ruled out of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan.
Nissanka is also part of the 15-member squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan that begins on November 9. However, his availability is again subject to fitness.
The tri-nation ODI series, which also involves England, begins on October 18, with the final to be held on October 31.