Lasith Malinga has struggled to have an impact with the ball since his ODI comeback in June

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Sri Lanka have left pace bowler Lasith Malinga out of their ODI squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan due to his poor form.

Since making his ODI comeback in June, Malinga has failed to have much of an impact in the 13 matches he has played as he has taken 10 wickets at an average of 62.30.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that Malinga’s disappointing statistics with the ball are one reason why he didn’t get selected, while the other is the fact that they are looking to put together a team with the 2019 World Cup in mind.

All-rounder Angelo Mathews is not in the side either due to a calf injury, while opener Danushka Gunathilaka is also missing despite averaging 42.41 in 12 ODIs this year.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Vandersay is back in the squad and will join fellow spinners Akila Dhananjaya, Seekkuge Prasanna and Milinda Siriwardana.

In regards to their pace attack, Sri Lanka have opted for Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep and Vishwa Fernando.

The five-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan gets underway on October 13 in Dubai.