NZ vs SL 2024-25: Sri Lanka name T20I squad; Dunith Wellalage left out

The Sri Lankans are set to travel to New Zealand for three T20Is and as many ODIs, with the tour starting on December 28. The squad for the 20-over leg of the tour has already been announced by SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket), with the Charith Asalanka-led 16-man squad.

The Asalanka & Co looks like a solid mix of talented batters and blended with spearheading pacers and spinners. The spin attack, in particular, looks strong with the likes of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga in the squad, however, the Lankans decided not to pick 21-year-old Left arm spinner Dunith Wellalage in the team who has been one of their promising stars with consistent performances in white-ball cricket.

The board instead decided to go with specialist leggie Jefferey Vandersay, who does have potential but has not been as consistent as Wellalage. Apart from this, Wellalage could also provide some depth with his more than handy batting capabilities.

Though Wellalage has only played four T20Is he has still maintained a decent record, taking six wickets at an economy of 5.87 and averaging only 15.16, compared to his replacement's seven wickets in 14 games at an economy of eight and an excessively high average of 56.42. 

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Sri Lanka squad for three T20Is vs New Zealand:

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana

NZ vs SL 2024-25 Schedule: