The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a strong 16-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand on Wednesday, December 18. However, Sri Lanka's star spinner failed to make a cut in their T20I squad for the New Zealand series. The Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand will see a three-match T20I series followed by as many ODI series. Notably, the first two T20I matches will be played in Mount Maunganui on December 28 and 30, while the third match is scheduled to take place in Nelson on January 2. The ODI series will commence on January 5 in Wellington, followed by matches in Hamilton on January 8 and Auckland on January 11.
Sri Lanka's T20I squad for New Zealand series announced
The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selection committee has shown confidence in the current squad and almost carried the same fold which they fielded in the home series against New Zealand in November. The only change from the previous series is the omission of Dunith Wellalage. Notably, Wellalage was the joint second highest wicket-taker in the Asia Cup 2023, where he took 10 scalps in six matches.
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Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the side, with a strong batting lineup featuring Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by a formidable combination of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, and Binura Fernando.
The Sri Lankan squad is set to jet off for New Zealand on December 20.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad for series against New Zealand
Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando
How did Sri Lanka fare in last series against New Zealand?
Sri Lanka and Kiwis faced each other in November in the T20Is and ODIs series.
In the first T20I in Dambulla, New Zealand suffered a 4-wicket loss to Sri Lanka. Meanwhile in the second match Kiwis bounced back and registered a five-run win over Sri Lanka to level the series.
Later, Sri Lanka clinched the two-match ODI series 2-0.