Sri Lanka has announced a largely unchanged 16-man squad for their upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, set to begin later this month. The team, led by Charith Asalanka, will travel to New Zealand on December 20 for the three-match series, with the first two games scheduled in Mount Maunganui on December 28 and 30, followed by the final match in Nelson on January 2.
The only notable change from the squad that faced New Zealand on home soil last month is the absence of young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. While no official reason has been provided for his omission, it is widely believed that his spin-bowling skills would be less effective in New Zealand’s traditionally seam-friendly conditions. Wellalage, who had been a key figure in Sri Lanka's recent T20I campaign, is currently competing in the Lanka T10 tournament with the Jaffna Titans.
The rest of the squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Key batters like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, and Asalanka himself are expected to play pivotal roles in the top and middle order. The squad also includes the likes of Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dinesh Chandimal, who have both earned retention despite mixed form in recent outings. Rajapaksa, who was underwhelming in the Abu Dhabi T10, and Chandimal, who has not played a T20I since February 2022, remain in the squad.
In the bowling department, Sri Lanka will field a versatile mix of seam and spin bowlers. The seam-bowling contingent will be led by the experienced Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, and Binura Fernando, with the all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe expected to play a more prominent role as the sole seam-bowling allrounder. The spin attack will be spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, with Jeffrey Vandersay providing additional spin options.
Wickramasinghe's inclusion could be pivotal, as he is expected to contribute both with the ball and the bat, offering Sri Lanka a balanced side in the absence of Wellalage's spin expertise.
The series in New Zealand will be an important opportunity for Sri Lanka to continue their preparations for next year's T20 World Cup and gain valuable experience in overseas conditions. With New Zealand being a challenging venue for visiting teams, Sri Lanka will be looking to adapt quickly to the seam-friendly conditions that are likely to prevail throughout the series.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad for New Zealand Tour:
The three-match series will kick off with two games in Mount Maunganui before heading to Nelson for the final match on January 2.