Kusal Perera returns for New Zealand ODIs

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee yesterday named the squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against New Zealand, with Kusal Janith Perera making a return to the ODI side.

Sri Lanka will be looking to build on their impressive performance in the recent white-ball series against the West Indies as they prepare for the two formats against the Kiwis. 

The T20I series will commence on November 9 followed by the second match on November 10. 

The three ODIs are scheduled for November 13, 17, and 19. The Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium will be the venue for the first three games while the final two ODIs will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

Charith Asalanka will continue as Sri Lanka’s Captain for both the ODI and T20I formats during this series against New Zealand.

The squads for both series remain unchanged from the recently concluded West Indies series, with Kusal Janith included in both the T20I and ODI squads. Perera last played an ODI against New Zealand in Bengaluru on November 9, 2023.

Dinesh Chandimal has also retained his place in the T20I Squad. He hasn’t played any international white-ball cricket since 2022 but has been impressive in domestic competitions since.

Sri Lanka’s batting line-up remains the same, with Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka expected to be key players in the top order. 

In the spin department, regulars Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are joined by Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage, who make the cut for both formats.

There are some differences when it comes to seam bowlers. Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando are included in the T20I Squad. 

On the other hand, left-arm seamers Dilshan Madushanka and Shiraz are selected for the ODIs but not for the T20s. Asitha Fernando, however, is part of both squads. Sri Lanka and New Zealand have faced off in 23 T20I matches, with New Zealand winning 13 and Sri Lanka 9. One match ended without a result.

In 102 ODI encounters, New Zealand have won 52 times while Sri Lanka have won 41. Eight matches have ended without a result and one match ended in a tie.

Sri Lanka ODI Squad: 
Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Mohamed Shiraz.

Sri Lanka T20I Squad: 
Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando and Asitha Fernando.