Wanindu returns for New Zealand ODIs

Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is back in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, where the teams play three ODIs and three T20Is. The ace spinner missed Sri Lanka’s last ODI assignment – the home series against the same opposition in November – due to a hamstring injury. Dunith Wellalage, who lost his T20I spot for the tour, held onto his place in the 50-over squad.

Sri Lanka made four changes to the side that played last month, with the quartet of Dushan Hemantha, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dishan Madushanka not getting picked. Perera, in fact, had made a comeback to the ODI squad for the first time since the 2023 World Cup in the previous series against New Zealand but did not get a game. Hemantha meanwhile, was Hasaranga’s replacement in the last ODI series squad.

Besides Hasaranga, Sri Lanka have also brought in batter Nuwanidu Fernando, who made his debut against India in 2023 and has featured in five ODIs. Fast bowler Lahiru Kumara makes a return after last playing the format in March in Bangladesh this year. Sri Lanka have also added the uncapped medium-pacer Eshan Malinga for the 50-over games.

The tour will kick-off with T20Is on December 28. The three ODIs will be played on January 5, 8 and 11.

Sri Lanka ODI squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga.