Wellalage Dropped, Rajapaksa Retained in Sri Lanka T20I Squad for New Zealand Tour
Sri Lanka has announced a largely unchanged 16-man T20I squad for their upcoming tour of New Zealand. The only omission from the team that faced New Zealand at home last month is Dunith Wellalage. The squad, led by Charith Asalanka, will leave for New Zealand on December 20 for the three-match series.
While no official reason has been provided for Wellalage’s exclusion, it is likely due to New Zealand’s seam-friendly conditions, where his spin-bowling may be less effective. Currently, Wellalage is competing in the Lanka T10 tournament for Jaffna Titans.
The squad retains a familiar core, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, and Charith Asalanka forming the batting backbone. Chamindu Wickramasinghe, the sole seam-bowling allrounder, is expected to play a more significant role than in recent tours.
T20I Series Schedule
- 1st T20I: December 28 in Mount Maunganui
- 2nd T20I: December 30 in Mount Maunganui
- 3rd T20I: January 2 in Nelson
Notably, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has retained his spot despite average performances in the Abu Dhabi T10 and the recent home series against New Zealand. Another intriguing inclusion is Dinesh Chandimal, who, despite being named in several recent squads, has not featured in a T20I since February 2022.
The seam attack features Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, and Binura Fernando, supported by spinners Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad
Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando.
The first two matches will be held in Mount Maunganui on December 28 and 30, with the final match set for January 2 in Nelson.