The only player missing from the formidable Sri Lankan squad that took on New Zealand last month is spin-bowling all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. The squad will be led by Charith Asalanka, who takes the helm as captain, aiming to build on the team’s recent performances.
Notably absent from the lineup is Dunith Wellalage, a promising all-rounder who has been dropped from the team considering the seam-bowler friendly pitches in New Zealand. Dunith Wellalage’s absence opens the door for other players to step up and contribute to the team’s success. The selected squad features a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, reflecting Sri Lanka’s strategy to strengthen their T20 format.
Sri Lanka have announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, starting December 28 in Mount Maunganui. The squad will be captained by Charith Asalanka and features Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who has held on to his place after stellar performances in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament and Sri Lanka’s recent series against New Zealand.
Dunith Wellalage dropped from SL T20I squad for NZ tour
Sri Lanka have named a largely unchanged 16-man T20I squad to travel to New Zealand later this month. Only Dunith Wellalage misses out from the squad that faced the same opposition at home last month. The team is expected to leave for New Zealand on December 20.
While no reason has been cited for Dunith Wellalage’s omission, it is likely that his spin-bowling attributes would have been less useful in New Zealand’s more seam-friendly conditions. Dunith Wellalage is currently taking part in the Lanka T10 tournament for Jaffna Titans.
Apart from Wellalage, Sri Lanka’s team – led by Charith Asalanka – has a familiar feel. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis and Asalanka comprise the primary batting options, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe is in line to play a more prominent role than on recent tours as the sole seam-bowling allrounder.
The spin attack for the series will be spearheaded by former captain Wanindu Hasaranga, who will be supported by Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay. Meanwhile, the pace attack comprises Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, and Binura Fernando. This diverse bowling lineup is sure to give New Zealand a run for their money in the upcoming T20I matches.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa retains his place in SL squad to bolster batting line up.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa retained his position in the squad despite middling performances in the recent Abu Dhabi T10, as well in Sri Lanka’s last series against New Zealand. While another curious retention is Dinesh Chandimal, who, despite being named in recent squads, last played a T20I in February 2022.
Wickramasinghe will supplement a varied seam attack consisting of Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando and Binura Fernando. Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay round out the squad.
The Sri Lankan batting unit for the series will include Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando and Dinesh Chandimal. Team captain Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis will be batting all-rounders. The team is well-equipped with wicketkeeping options as Rajapaksa, Chandimal, Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis have all previously served behind the stumps for the national team.
As per the International Cricket Council (ICC), Sri Lanka’s T20I squad will depart for New Zealand on Friday, December 20.
The T20I series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will commence on December 28, with the other two matches on December 30 and January 2. The first two T20Is will be played in Mount Maunganui while Nelson will host the last match.
Sri Lanka Squad for T20I series in New Zealand : Charith Asalanka (captain), 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.