Sri Lanka has announced a 17-member squad, led by skipper Charith Asalanka, for their upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. 23-year-old uncapped pacer Eshan Malinga, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹1.20 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, has been included in the squad.
Eshan Malinga was recently signed by the SA20 franchise Paarl Royals as a replacement for English cricketer John Turner for the 2025 season, set to kick off on January 9. Malinga was last seen in action during the 2024 Lanka T10 Super League, where he played for the victorious Hambantota Bangla Tigers.
Wanindu Hasaranga Returns to the Side After Missing the Previous ODI Series
Sri Lanka has made four changes to their squad for the ODI series. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga returns to the side after missing the previous ODI series against New Zealand in November due to a hamstring injury. Dunith Wellalage, who lost his place in the T20I squad, retains his position in the ODI squad.
The selectors have dropped Dushan Hemantha, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Dishan Madushanka from the ODI squad. Perera had made a comeback to the ODI squad during the previous series against New Zealand but didn’t get a game. Hemantha was Hasaranga’s replacement in the last series.
Sri Lanka has included batter Nuwanidu Fernando and pacer Lahiru Kumara in the ODI squad. Fernando, who debuted in 2023, has played five ODIs, while Kumara last featured in March this year.
Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the New Zealand Tour pic.twitter.com/NEZXHu8M18
— Murali End 🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰 (@MuraliPod) December 23, 2024
Sri Lanka Squad for Upcoming ODI Series vs New Zealand
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga
Sri Lanka Win Both Practice Matches Against New Zealand XI Ahead of Limited-Overs Series
Sri Lanka secured victories in both practice matches against New Zealand XI at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln on December 23, ahead of their limited-overs series.
In the first game, they chased a 95-run target in just 10.5 overs to win by seven wickets. In the second match, batting first, they posted 128 runs in 10 overs and defended the total, winning by 32 runs.
The tour will continue with a three-match T20I series starting on December 28 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The second T20I is scheduled at the same venue on December 30, and the third will be played in Nelson on January 2, 2025.
The three ODIs between the Lankan Lions and the Black Caps are scheduled to be played at the Basin Reserve (January 5, 2025) in Wellington, Seddon Park (January 8) in Hamilton, and Eden Park (January 11) in Auckland.
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