Sri Lanka have announced a 17-member squad led by captain Charith Asalanka for their upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. 23-year-old Eshan Malinga, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 1.20 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, has been included in the squad.
Eshan Malinga was recently signed by SA20 franchise Paarl Royals as a replacement for English cricketer John Turner for the 2025 season, which will begin on January 9. Malinga was last seen in action during the Super League Lanka T10 2024 where he played for the victorious Hambantota Bangla Tigers.
Wanindu Hasaranga returns to the side after missing the previous ODI series
Sri Lanka have made four changes to their squad for the ODI series. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga returns to the squad after missing the previous ODI series against New Zealand in November due to a thigh injury. Dunith Wellalage, who lost his place in the T20I squad, retains his position in the ODI squad.
The selectors withdrew Dushan Hemantha, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dishan Madushanka from the ODI squad. Perera returned to the ODI squad during the previous series against New Zealand but did not get a game. Hemantha was Hasaranga's replacement in the last series.
Sri Lanka have included batsman Nuwanidu Fernando and pacer Lahiru Kumara in the ODI squad. Fernando, who debuted in 2023, has played five ODIs while Kumara last appeared in March this year.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad for 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, Mohamed Kumarasinghe, Asitha La Fernando, Eshan Malinga
Sri Lanka won both practice matches against New Zealand XI ahead of the limited overs series
Sri Lanka secured wins in both their 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 down a target of 95 runs in just 10.5 overs to win by seven wickets. In the second match, batting first, they scored 128 runs in 10 overs and defended the total, winning by 32 runs.
The tournament will continue with a three-match T20I series starting on December 28 at the Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui. The second T20I is scheduled at the same venue on December 30 and the third will be played at Nelson on January 2, 2025.
The three ODIs between the Lankan Lions and the Black Caps are scheduled to be played at Basin Reserve (January 5, 2025) in Wellington, Seddon Park (January 8) in Hamilton and Eden Park (January 11) in Auckland.
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