Kithuruwan replaces Mahela for Pakistan limited over series (UPDATED)

Batsman Kithuruwan Vithanage replaced Mahela Jayawardene in the Sri Lanka limited over squads to travel to the UAE for the T20 and ODI series against Pakistan, as selectors also retained all-rounder Ramith Rambukwella in the T20I squad subject to him meeting fitness requirements.

Rambukwella – considered the second best spinning all-rounder in Sri Lanka, atleast in the eyes of the team’s captain Dinesh Chandimal – picked up a wicket in the second T20I played against New Zealand at Pallekele last week, the only match he played in the series following the first match washout, and returned economical figures, although his sloppy fielding proved signs of immaturity and on-field lethargy.
Jayawardene meanwhile had requested for personal leave, and could be back for the Test series due to begin at the end of the limited over leg. Vithanage who made his Test debut in March against Bangladesh is yet to feature in a T20I or ODI at international level.
Prasanna who was in the T20 squad for the series against the Kiwis was included in the ODI squad to travel to the UAE, at the expense of Ajantha Mendis.(daily mirror)