Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced 17-member squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against New Zealand, starting November 9. Charith Asalanka will captain the team following his successful leadership in recent series wins over India and the West Indies at home.
Former captain Dasun Shanaka, who missed the West Indies series, is also excluded from the New Zealand matches. The all-rounder’s last appearance for Sri Lanka was in the home series against India.
Pace bowler Dushmantha Chameera misses out again for the second straight series, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa retains his spot after returning to the national squad. Despite a quiet series against the West Indies after his return from a long absence since January 2023, Rajapaksa is set to feature in the New Zealand series.
Regarding the ODI squad, Kusal Perera has been recalled, having last played in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He is the only change from the squad that defeated the West Indies 2-1. Mohamed Shiraz, who made a single ODI appearance during the India series, keeps his spot after being on the bench in the West Indies series.
Sri Lanka Squad for ODI Series Against New Zealand
Charith Asalanka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Jeffrey Vandersay, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz
Sri Lanka Squad for T20I Series Against New Zealand
Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando
New Zealand to Tour Sri Lanka for 2 T20Is and 3 ODIs
The Blackcaps recently visited Sri Lanka in September for a red-ball series, where they were whitewashed. The upcoming white-ball series, especially the ODI matches, holds significant importance as it serves as preparation for New Zealand ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Sri Lanka, having failed to qualify for the ICC event, will aim to build momentum under Sanath Jayasuriya and Charith Asalanka. The two T20Is are set for November 9 and 10 in Dambulla.
The ODI series will begin at the same venue on November 13, with the remaining two matches scheduled for November 17 and 19 at Pallekele.
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