Sri Lanka has unveiled a mostly unchanged 16-member T20I squad for their upcoming series against New Zealand, set to commence later this month. The only notable absence is Dunith Wellalage, who was part of the squad that faced New Zealand at home in November. The team will depart for New Zealand on December 20.
NZ vs SL: Surprise ommision!
While no official explanation was given for Wellalage’s exclusion, his spin-bowling style may not align with New Zealand’s seam-friendly pitches. Wellalage is currently competing in the Lanka T10 tournament for the Jaffna Titans. It is a huge letdown for the southpaw, who has shown great potential in his young career so far. In the 32 internationals for Sri Lanka, Wellalage has plucked away 37 wickets.
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Charith Asalanka will continue as captain, leading a lineup featuring experienced batters like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Avishka Fernando. Chamindu Wickramasinghe is set to take on a larger role as the sole seam-bowling allrounder, supported by a pace attack comprising Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, and Binura Fernando.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa, despite lukewarm performances in recent tournaments, retains his spot, as does Dinesh Chandimal, who hasn’t played a T20I since February 2022. Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay round out the squad. The three-match series begins on December 28 and 30 in Mount Maunganui, followed by the final game in Nelson on January 2.
NZ vs SL: Sri Lanka’s T20I squad:
- Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando.
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