Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the ODI series against Zimbabwe due to suspected dengue fever. If his illness turns out to be indeed dengue fever, he is likely to be ruled out of the three-match T20I series following the ODIs as well.
Nissanka was admitted to the hospital for treatment, according to a statement from the board of directors. 19-year-old Shevon Daniel, who has played one T20I but no ODIs, has been named as his replacement. Daniel is usually an attacking player but there is no guarantee that he will be in the eleven for saturday's first ODI as Avishka Fernando and captain Kusal Mendis are both eligible to start.
Daniel, who opened for Sinhala Sports Club in the Major Clubs Limited Overs tournament and made a half-century in his last List A innings, was selected primarily for his potential. But the loss of Nissanka is a big blow for Sri Lanka.
In 2023, he scored 1151 ODI runs at an average of 44. 26 and a strike rate of 87 and was one of the most consistent batsmen in the team. He averaged 82, and 33 in four innings against Zimbabwe. All three of his ODIs were held at Kettarama, followed by his T20I as well.
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