Sri Lanka unveils squads for the T20I and ODI series against New Zealand; Charith Asalanka to lead

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) unveiled their men’s squads for the upcoming limited-overs series against New Zealand, set to take place at home in November. The series will commence with two T20Is on November 9, followed by three ODIs starting on November 13. The venues for the series are the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, which will host the T20Is and the first ODI, and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, which will stage the second and third ODIs.

Sri Lanka’s strong lineup for the series

Both squads feature a mix of experienced players who have been key to recent home series victories, including wins against India and the West Indies. Charith Asalanka will lead Sri Lanka in both formats, showcasing his leadership capabilities and consistency in the middle order. The teams also include several match-winners such as Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga, who are expected to play crucial roles in the series.

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad includes seasoned players like Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, and the all-rounders Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage. The T20I squad sees the return of veterans such as Dinesh Chandimal and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, alongside exciting young talents like Matheesha Pathirana and Chamidu Wickramasinghe.

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Previous encounter and expectations

Sri Lanka and New Zealand last met in a two-match Test series in September, where Sri Lanka emerged victorious with a 2-0 series win. New Zealand, having traveled to India after the Test series, will come into the limited-overs encounters with momentum from their World Test Championship campaign. However, Sri Lanka will be confident, especially with home advantage and the form of their experienced players.

Sri Lanka squads for New Zealand series

• 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

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