Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has returned to the national ODI squad after a lapse of one year. 

Malinga has been included in the 16-member squad named for the upcoming Asian Cup. The squad has been approved today by Sports Minister Faizser Mustapha.

The 35 year old player has got 301 wickets in 204 ODI at an average of 28.92. 

SLC sources said his performance in the domestic T20 league was the main reason for Malinga's re-inclusion in the squad. 

Sri Lanka's Head Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe said Malinga was part of the country's World Cup plans in 2019.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella has not been included in the Asia Cup squad. Dhanushka Gunathilake, who recently faced a 6 match ban on disciplinary charges, has also returned to the side.