Sri Lanka announced 18 member squad for the 3-match ODI series against hosts New Zealand. These three matches is a part of the ICC ODI Super League which will be important for the Sri Lankan team keeping in mind direct qualification for World Cup 2023.
Sri Lanka would be looking for valuable points in the ODI series against New Zealand. Kusal Mendis has been named as the vice-captain and also the wicketkeeper for the series. The batting lineup comprises Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanaka, Dhanajaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Nuwandidu Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karaunate, Dunith Welleage
The team will be led by Dasun Shanaka. Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Pramod Madhushan, and Dilshan Madushanka comprise pace bowling options. Matheesha Pathirana could make his ODI debut and will be looking for good performances. Wanidnu Hasranaga, Mahesh Theekshana, Dunith Welleage, and Dhanajaya de Silva comprise spin bowling options.
Sahan Arachchige has been included as the debutant. He had an impressive outing against the England Lions. He scored important cameos coming lower down the order and picked wickets with his off breaks.
Angelo Mathews makes a comeback into the Sri Lanka ODI squad as he last played the previous ODI match against West Indies on 10 March 2021. It will give confidence to the Lankan team to perform well in the ODI series.
Sri Lanka ODI squad
Dasun Shanaka (capt.), Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya De Silva, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana.
Sri Lanka important series in ICC ODI Super League tournament
The series against New Zealand will be an important one for the Sri Lanka side. This will be of great importance if they need to qualify for the 2023 World Cup directly to be played in India.
Sri Lanka is currently placed in 10th place with 77 points. They played a total of 21 matches so far with 7 wins, 12 losses, 2 no-result, and 3 deducted points. The fight for the final spot for direct qualification is between South Africa, West Indies, and Sri Lanka.
West Indies finished the quota of matches played in the ICC ODI Super League. Sri Lanka would need to give their all to finish in the top 8 places.
Schedule
- Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (Eden Park, Auckland)- 25 March
- Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ( Hagley Oval, Christchurch)- 28 March
- Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (Seddon Park, Hamilton)- 31 March.
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