Sri Lanka name ODI squad for New Zealand tour

Sri Lanka's premier spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, has been recalled to the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, which will feature three ODIs and three T20Is. His inclusion is a significant boost for the team, which will also welcome back several players who missed previous matches.

Hasaranga, who was sidelined during Sri Lanka's last ODI series against New Zealand in November due to a hamstring injury, has now fully recovered and is expected to play a key role in the 50-over format.

Dunith Wellalage, who was excluded from the T20I squad for the tour, has been retained for the ODI series, further strengthening Sri Lanka’s all-rounder options.

The selectors have made four changes to the squad that played in the previous series against New Zealand. Dushan Hemantha, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Dishan Madushanka have been omitted. Notably, Kusal Perera, who made his return to the ODI squad for the first time since the 2023 World Cup, did not feature in any of the matches.

Dushan Hemantha, who replaced Hasaranga in the previous squad, has now been dropped to accommodate the leg-spinner’s return.

Alongside Hasaranga, Sri Lanka has called up batter Nuwanidu Fernando, who made his ODI debut against India in 2023, and fast bowler Lahiru Kumara, who last played in the format during the Bangladesh series earlier this year. Uncapped medium-pacer Eshan Malinga has also been added to the squad, offering Sri Lanka a new bowling option.

The tour will begin with a T20I series on December 28, followed by three ODIs on January 5, 8, and 11.

Sri Lanka ODI Squad: 

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 will be hoping that the return of key players like Hasaranga and Kumara will strengthen their side as they prepare for a challenging tour of New Zealand.