Rex Clementine at Dambulla

Sri Lanka’s cricket team has been in top form throughout 2024, securing victories in 11 of their 14 bilateral series across all formats. They’ve particularly dominated on home turf, winning nine out of ten series. Captain Charith Asalanka expressed their commitment to sustaining this winning streak as they gear up for an upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand, beginning today.

The series against New Zealand will feature two T20 matches followed by three ODIs.

“We’ve been working hard to climb the rankings across all formats,” Asalanka said in a press briefing. “Our aim is to break into the top three, and consistent victories are the path to that. This is a new series; we need to leave recent successes behind and start fresh on Saturday “

However, rain looms as a potential disruption in Dambulla. Sri Lanka’s training session on Friday morning was canceled due to heavy rains, and New Zealand’s evening practice under lights seemed doubtful, with the pitch fully covered.

Sri Lanka’s success at home has largely relied on their spin attack, yet Asalanka acknowledged the possibility of adjusting their strategy if the rain continues. “The rain could influence our game plan,” he admitted. “Spin has been our strength, but with this weather, we may need to consider an additional seamer.”

New Zealand, meanwhile, suffered a 2-0 defeat in the Test series of their Sri Lankan tour last month. But they rebounded spectacularly by sweeping a historic three-match series in India, marking the first time India have faced a home whitewash.

Key players from that remarkable series—Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, and Tim Southee—have since returned home to prepare for their upcoming three-match Test series against England. Also absent is former captain Kane Williamson, who missed the India Tests due to injury.

Mitchell Santner will lead a refreshed New Zealand squad in the white-ball series. “With the busy schedule, some players opted to return home to focus on the England series,” Santner explained. “We have a lot of white-ball cricket coming up, so it is important that we give some of the new players in the squad a go,” Santner added.

Sri Lanka Squad:

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper), 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.

New Zealand Squad:

Mitchell Santner (Captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay (Wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, and Will Young.

Umpires:

Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SRI) and Ravindra Wimalasiri (SRI)

TV Umpire:

Lyndon Hannibal (SRI)

Match Referee:

Ranjan Madugalle (SRI).