Perera, Shiraz return to SL's squad for NZ ODI series
What's the story
Sri Lanka announced their squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand on November 6. The team sees the return of senior batter Kusal Perera and seamer Mohamed Shiraz. Perera returns after nearly a year-long absence from the ODI format, while Shiraz has been rewarded for his brilliant domestic performance. The former has taken 84 wickets at 18.75 in white-ball cricket. Notably, the Lankans will host NZ in three T20Is and as many ODIs, starting November 9.
Squad consistency
Sri Lanka retain T20I squad for New Zealand series
In the T20I format, Sri Lanka have retained the squad from the recent series win against the West Indies. The team features newcomer Chamindu Wickramasinghe and senior batter Dinesh Chandimal. Notably, Chandimal hasn't featured in white-ball international cricket for over two years. However, he has had a decent run in the domestic circuit.
Batting lineup
Core batting group remains unchanged for Sri Lanka
The nucleus of Sri Lanka's batting unit stays the same with Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and captain Charith Asalanka expected to be in the top five. In T20Is, Sri Lanka have a middle-order hitter in the form of Bhanuka Rajapaksa. For the 50-over games, they have batter Janith Liyanage, who is also handy with his seam-bowling.
Information
SL's T20I squad for NZ series
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, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, and Asitha Fernando.
Information
SL's ODI squad for NZ series
ODI squad: Charith Asalanka (captain), 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, and Mohamed Shiraz.