Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI Series - Squad & Key Players for Sri Lanka

The ODI format will take the spotlight when New Zealand will tour Sri Lanka for a 3-match ODI series and a 2-match T20 series. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand will begin first with the T20 format.

Sri Lanka has seen a major turn of events in recent times in international cricket. They are doing everything right under the guidance of the Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya and his coaching team.

The hosts recently defeated West Indies in a 3-match ODI series at home by 2-1. It was a fantastic performance by the team as they won the first two ODIs and dominated both fixtures.

The betting sites in India have uploaded the odds for the 1st match of the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI series.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board is showing trust in their experienced players while giving chances to their new talent from domestic cricket. A win against Kiwis in the ODI format will be a huge boost in confidence for future challenges.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI Series - Schedule

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI Series - Sri Lanka Squad

Charith Asalanka (capt.), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz

There are no major changes in the squad as compared to what they came in action to face West Indies in the ODI series. This series will focus more on the performance of the experienced players.

Charith Asalanka is the leading man for the team. He has a win percentage of 66.66%. Asalanka has led the team in two major series which came against West Indies and India. The hosts have won both series winning 4 fixtures out of 6 overall.

Kusal Mendis will be the man to watch out for in the batting unit. He will be expected to give the team a solid start in the initial overs. Mendis is the core of Sri Lanka’s batting unit.

Other core batters for Sri Lanka are Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and skipper Charisth Asalanka. The trio will be expected to face the Kiwi’s bowling attack without any fear.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Janith Liyanage will be part of the middle order. The duo have the capability to play their best under pressure in any situation. All-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe is a newcomer to the team.

Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage form the spin attack of the team. Dilshan Madushanka and Shiraz are part of the pace attack for the team.

The Sri Lanka selection committee has clearly specified the player roles in the bowling unit. They have also differentiated the pace of attack by not selecting Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara for the ODI series but naming them in the T20 format.

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XI for 1st ODI

Charith Asalanka (capt.), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay

The match prediction of Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI is favouring Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI Series - Key Players for Sri Lanka

1) Pathum Nissanka

Sri Lanka won’t be worried about their batting unit because of the good depth. To start with, they have Pathum Nissanka who is the leading run-scorer across all teams in the ODI format in 2024. He is an ODI expert who is known for his slow but reliable start from the top.

2) Wanindu Hasaranga

When it comes to the bowling attack, Wanindu Hasaranga will be the key player for the team. The former skipper is the leading wicket-taker across all the teams in the ODI format in the current year.

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