Sri Lanka drop Malinga for Pakistan ODIs

Veteran pacer has not been effective since his comeback from knee injury which he sustained in 2016

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka have dropped veteran pacer Lasith Malinga from the one-day international squad to face Pakistan in a five-match series starting next week, raising doubts if the fast-bowler will feature in the team's plans for the 2019 World Cup.

Malinga, feared for his awkward action and toe-crushing yorkers, returned to international cricket during June's Champions Trophy following a knee injury that kept him out of the World Twenty20 last year.

But the 34-year-old has not been as effective since his comeback and has managed 10 wickets from 13 ODIs since his return.

The Galle-born pacer has taken 301 wickets from 204 matches in his career.

Sri Lanka, made a stunning return to winning ways in the first Test against Pakistan after humiliation at home against India, will also be without former captain and all-rounder Angelo Mathews in the second Test as well, who is struggling with a calf injury.

The first ODI will be played on October 13 in Dubai with the teams also slated to play a three-match T20I series.

Squad:

Upul Tharanga (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Chamara Kapugedara, Thisara Perera, Seekuge Prasanna, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay