The 18-member Sri Lanka Cricket team for their upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand was just revealed. The tour will start on Saturday, December 28 and consists of three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and as many ODIs as possible.
A few days ago, SLC revealed their team for the Twenty20 Internationals. In regards to their ODI lineup, Wanindu Hasaranga rejoins the team. Due to a hamstring injury, the leg-spinning all-rounder was unable to play in his nation’s most recent ODI match against the same opponent at home. Lahiru Kumara, a right-arm fast, also returned to the ODI setup. He last participated in an international ODI match against Bangladesh in March of this year.
Eshan Malinga, who is uncapped, has also been added for the 50-over matches. Four changes were made to Sri Lanka’s side from their earlier match against the Kiwis. Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dushan Hemantha, Dishan Madushanka, and Kusal Perera were all passed over.
In the November reversal series of games, Hemantha took Hasaranga’s position. Since recovering from his hamstring injury, Madushanka has not been playing at his best. In 11 ODIs in 2024, the third-highest wicket-taker has only claimed 14 wickets.
The team captained by Charith Asalanka features a reliable batting lineup. Among the well-known names are Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka. It is anticipated that Nishan Madushka and Avishka Fernando would compete to be Nissanka’s companion at the top of the list.
In terms of the pace unit, which also consists of Mohamed Shiraz, Malinga, and Kumara, Asitha Fernando will be in charge. The spin-bowling department is made up of Jeffrey Vandersay, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage.
Sri Lanka’s squad for the ODIs against New Zealand
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga