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Sri Lanka has announced a 17-member squad, led by captain Charith Asalanka, for their upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Uncapped pacer Eshan Malinga, 23, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹1.20 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, has been included in the squad.
Eshan Malinga was recently signed by SA20 franchise Paarl Royals as a replacement for English cricketer John Turner for the 2025 season, which begins on January 9. Malinga was last seen in action during the 2024 Lanka T10 Super League, where he played. the victorious Bangla Tigers of Hambantota.
Wanindu Hasaranga returns to the side after missing previous ODI series
Sri Lanka have made four changes to their team for the ODI series. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga returns to the team after missing the previous ODI series against New Zealand in November due to a hamstring injury. Dunith Wellalage, who lost his place in the T20I team, retains his place in the ODI team.
The selectors dropped Dushan Hemantha, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dishan Madushanka from the ODI team. Perera had returned to the ODI team during the previous series against New Zealand but did not get any games. Hemantha was Hasaranga’s replacement in the last series.
Sri Lanka has included batsman Nuwanidu Fernando and pacer Lahiru Kumara in the ODI squad. Fernando, who made his debut in 2023, has played five ODIs, while Kumara last featured in March this year.
Sri Lanka ODI Team for New Zealand Tour pic.twitter.com/NEZXHu8M18
– Murali Finale 🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰 (@MuraliPod) December 23, 2024
Sri Lanka squad for upcoming ODI series 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, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara , Eshan Malinga
Sri Lanka wins both practice matches against New Zealand XI ahead of limited overs series
Sri Lanka recorded wins in both practice matches against New Zealand XI at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln on December 23, ahead of their limited overs series.
In the first game, they chased a target of 95 runs in just 10.5 overs to win by seven wickets. In the second match, batting first, they scored 128 runs in 10 overs and defended the total, winning by 32 runs.
The tour will continue with a three-match T20I series starting on December 28 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The second T20I is scheduled at the same venue on December 30 and the third will be played in Nelson on January 2, 2025.
The three ODIs between the Lankan Lions and the Black Caps are scheduled to be played at Basin Reserve (January 5, 2025) in Wellington, Seddon Park (January 8) in Hamilton and Eden Park (January 11) in Auckland.
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