Sri Lanka Announce Squads for White-Ball Series Against xc; Kusal Perera Makes ODI Comeback

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand, with significant changes to the lineup. The squads, led by Charith Asalanka, blend a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters across both formats.

One of the key highlights, therefore, is the recall of swashbuckling opener Kusal Perera to the ODI squad. Perera, who has been in good form recently, brings his experience and explosive batting to the team. In his 116 ODI innings, he has accumulated 3,237 runs at an average of 30.54, with a strike rate of 92.88. However, there was no place for former captain Dasun Shanaka in either the ODI or T20I squad, despite his previous leadership and all-round contributions.

Injury concerns continue to keep fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera out of the squad. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s pace attack will be led by Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando in the ODIs, with Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana taking charge of the T20I bowling lineup. Binura Fernando is also included for his death-bowling skills.

Sri Lanka’s batting unit will rely heavily on skipper Asalanka, along with Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and the in-form Nishan Madushka. Additionally, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will lead the spin department, with the goal of providing key breakthroughs.

Here are the squads for Sri Lanka’s series against New Zealand:

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

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