Sri Lanka announce squad for ODIs against New Zealand, Wanindu Hasaranga returns

Sri Lanka Cricket recently announced their 18-member squad for Sri Lanka's upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand. The tour comprises three T20Is, followed up by as many ODIs and will commence on Saturday, December 28.

SLC disclosed their squad for the T20Is a few days back. As for their lineup for the ODIs, Wanindu Hasaranga makes his return to the squad. The leg-spinning all-rounder missed his country's last ODI assignment against the same opposition at home due to a hamstring injury. Right-arm quick, Lahiru Kumara, made a return to the ODI setup as well. He last played an ODI fixture at the international stage in March against Bangladesh earlier this year. 

The uncapped Eshan Malinga has also been added for the 50-over games. Sri Lanka have made four changes to the squad which played the Kiwis earlier. All of Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dushan Hemantha, and Dishan Madushanka were not picked.

Hemantha was Hasaranga's replacement in the reverse set of fixtures in November. Madushanka has not been at his best since returning from his hamstring injury. The third-highest wicket-taker has managed just 14 wickets in 11 ODIs in 2024.

The Charith Asalanka-led outfit has a stable batting unit in place. Some of the prominent names include Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kamindu Mendis. The tussle for being Nissanka's partner at the top of the order is expected to be between Avishka Fernando and Nishan Madushka.

Asitha Fernando will be the leader of the pack with respect to the pace unit, which also includes Kumara, Malinga, and Mohamed Shiraz. The quartet of Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay constitute the spin-bowling department.

Also Read: MI recruit Bevon Jacobs earns first New Zealand call-up for Sri Lanka series

Sri Lanka's squad for the ODIs against 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, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga