Sri Lanka has named their squads for the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand, with notable inclusions of Kusal Perera and seamer Mohamed Shiraz in the ODI squad. The Sri Lanka vs New Zealand White Ball Series, which begins on November 9, will see both teams face off in three T20Is and three ODIs, with matches to be played in Dambulla and Pallekele.
Kusal Perera Makes ODI Return
Kusal Perera’s inclusion in the ODI squad marks his first appearance in 12 months. The explosive left-handed batsman has not played an ODI since last year but earned his place in the team on the back of an impressive 55 not out in a T20I against the West Indies earlier this year. Perera’s form in the shorter format has been strong, and his inclusion in the 50-over setup adds depth to Sri Lanka’s middle order.
Shiraz Gets His Chance
Mohamed Shiraz, the 29-year-old seamer, has been a standout performer in domestic cricket, with 84 wickets at an exceptional average of 18.75 in List A matches. Despite limited international experience—having bowled just four overs in ODIs so far—Shiraz’s domestic form has earned him a call-up to the national squad. His inclusion adds variety to the Sri Lankan bowling attack, alongside the experienced pace and spin options already in place.
T20I Squad Retained
In the T20I format, Sri Lanka has maintained the same Sri Lankan squad that triumphed 2-1 against the West Indies last month. Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the team, with a solid batting lineup including Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Charith Asalanka himself. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, known for his power-hitting, will play a key role in the middle order.
One of the key new faces is allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who has retained his place in both the T20I and ODI squads after impressing in his debut series. Dinesh Chandimal, who has not played international white-ball cricket since 2022, has also kept his spot in the T20I squad, following strong performances in domestic competitions.
Spin Department Solidified
Sri Lanka’s spin attack remains a strong point, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana continuing to be the lead spinners. In addition, Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage have been included in both squads, providing more variety and options in the middle overs.
Seam Bowling Options
While Sri Lanka’s seam attack remains a mixed bag between the two formats, there are some differences in selection. In the T20I squad, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Binura Fernando provide variety in pace. However, for the ODI series, left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka and Mohamed Shiraz are the new faces in the pace attack, alongside regulars like Asitha Fernando, who features in both squads.
ODI and T20I Squad Details
Sri Lanka T20I Squad for New Zealand Series
Charith Asalanka (capt.), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando
Sri Lanka ODI Squad for New Zealand Series
Charith Asalanka (capt.), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz
