The spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have been named in the Sri Lankan cricket squad for the upcoming two-match 2025 ODI series against Australia scheduled from February 12 and 14.
The first match of the SL vs AUS ODI series will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday while the second will be hosted at the same venue on Friday.
Charith Asalanka will lead the 16-member Sri Lanka squad in the two ODIs.
The series follows Sri Lanka cricket team's 2-0 defeat to the Aussies in the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy Test series in Galle. Neither Hasaranga or Theekshana were part of the Test squad.
Both Hasaranga and Theekshana were acquired by the Rajasthan Royals at the Indian Premier League 2025 mega auction.
Ace off-spinner Theekshana has played 50 ODIs so far, picking up 72 wickets at an average of 26.23. He boasts of an economy of 4.64 in the format.
Maheesh Theekshana had a strong showing in the away ODI series against New Zealand last month. In two matches, he picked up seven wickets to help his side win the series 2-0.
Meanwhile, Hasaranga recently earned twin honours at the ICC Awards 2024 after being named in both the T20I (T20 Internationals) and ODI (One-Day International) teams of the year.
The Lankan all-rounder, who recently became the fastest bowler to reach 300 wickets in T20 cricket, also has a good record in the ODI format, having scalped 95 wickets in 61 matches at an economy rate of just over five.
Hasaranga is also handy with the bat, scoring 970 runs at an average of 22.55 and an impressive strike rate of 109.48.
Sri Lanka squad for 2025 ODI series vs Australia
Sri Lanka cricket team: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Mohamed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga.
