After a dominating performance in the recently concluded ODI and T20I series against West Indies, Sri Lanka is now ready for another White Ball challenge against New Zealand. The Black Caps, who are high in spirits thanks to a test series clean sweep in India, have to play 3 ODIs and 2 T20Is against Sri Lanka from November 9 to 19. For this series, New Zealand has already announced their squad, and last night, the Sri Lankan team also named their ODI and T20I squads.
The Sri Lankan Selection Committee hasn’t made thick changes in the squad that played against the West Indies. However, there are some notable changes in the team, such as Kusal Perera, who has been an integral part of Sri Lanka’s T20I setup will also feature in ODIs. Another player who is considered a significant change in the ODI squad is young pacer Mohammad Shiraz.
Kusal Perera made a comeback into the Sri Lankan ODI side after almost a year, but he got his place back in the 50-over format thanks to his impactful performance in the recent T20I series against the West Indies. On the other hand, Shiraz has gotten the reward for his performances in List A cricket.
Shifting focus toward the T20I squad: Sri Lanka didn’t make any changes to the team that won the T20I series against the West Indies.
However, Senior player Dinesh Chandimal, who was part of Sri Lanka’s T20I team, couldn’t make it to the ODI squad, and Chandimal is not alone; there are more players who are selected for just one team. Middle-order batsman Bahnuka Rajapaksa, who is known for his striking abilities, also failed to secure his place in the ODI squad.
The pace bowling trio of Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Binura Fernando are also picked up for just 20-over games. On the other side, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, and Dilshan Madushanka are part of just the ODI squad.
Also Read: New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka, 2024
Sri Lanka T20I Squad for New Zealand Series
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando
Sri Lanka ODI Squad for New Zealand Series
Charith Asalanka (c), Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz
