Colombo
Sri Lanka has appointed Charith Asalanka as captain for their upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand. The teams will compete in two T20Is on Nov 9 and 10, followed by three ODIs on Nov 13, 17, and 19.
This home series is important for Sri Lanka as they welcome back key players who contributed to recent victories against India and the West Indies. Among the returnees is Kusal Perera, who last played an ODI nearly a year ago but impressed with an unbeaten 55 in a recent T20I against the West Indies. Seamer Mohamed Shiraz, known for his strong domestic record, also joins the squad, bringing additional depth to the pace attack.
For the T20 matches, Sri Lanka retained the same squad that clinched a 2-1 series win over the West Indies. The first two T20Is and one ODI will be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, with the remaining ODIs at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
This series marks a shift from the two-match Test series in September, where Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand 2-0.
Sri Lanka Squads:
ODI: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal 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.
T20I: 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, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando.
