Sri Lanka announce squads for white-ball home series against New Zealand; Shanaka and Chameera not included again
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have named 17-man squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin from November 9 onwards. Charith Asalanka will lead the side after a bright start to his captaincy stints with recent triumphs over India and the West Indies on home soil.
Former captain Dasun Shanaka, who was a noticeable absence in the West Indies series, has not been considered for the upcoming matches against New Zealand as well. The all-rounder last played for Sri Lanka in the home series against India.
Pace spearhead Dushmantha Chameera also misses out for the second consecutive series while Bhanuka Rajapaksa has retained his place after recently making a return to the national squad. The left-handed batter did not have the most eventful series against the West Indies after a lengthy absence since January 2023, but is set to play a part against New Zealand.
As far as the ODI squad is concerned, Kusal Perera has earned a recall, with his last appearance in the format coming during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He is the sole change to the squad that faced the West Indies, securing a 2-1 victory.
Mohamed Shiraz, whose lone ODI appearance came in the series against India, also retains his place after being on the bench during the West Indies series.
Sri Lanka squad for ODI series against New Zealand
Charith Asalanka (C), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz
Sri Lanka squad for T20I series against New Zealand
Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando
New Zealand to tour Sri Lanka for 2 T20Is and 3 ODIs
The Blackcaps recently toured the island nation in September for a red-ball series, where they suffered a whitewash. The upcoming white-ball affair, particularly the ODI series, has a lot of importance as it serves as a preparation avenue for New Zealand for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Sri Lanka, having failed to qualify for the ICC event, will look to continue to build momentum under Sanath Jayasuriya and Charith Asalanka.
The two T20Is are scheduled for November 9 and 10 in Dambulla. The same venue will host the ODI series opener on November 13, while the remaining two matches on November 17 and 19 will be hosted by Pallekele.