Wellington: Right-arm fast bowler Ishan Malinga has been included in the squad for the first time for Sri Lanka after being included in the 17-player ODI squad for the white-ball tour of New Zealand. Malinga made his domestic debut in 2022 and impressed with 20 wickets at an average of 25.15 in 12 List A games. His rise in 2024 has been remarkable, with his control of pace and length being crucial to his success. After showcasing his pace, Malinga earned a contract with Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League. Although he played only once, he was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. Malinga has been included amid Dilshan Madushanka's poor form since his return from injury earlier this year. Despite finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Madushanka managed just 14 wickets in 11 ODIs in 2024.
Lahiru Kumara has also been recalled to the Sri Lankan squad, while the batting department has seen a notable change, with Nuwanidu Fernando replacing Sadira Samarawickrama. Apart from this adjustment, the rest of the batting unit remains stable. Charith Asalanka will lead a strong line-up comprising Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis.
Samarawickrama has been dropped after a prolonged period of poor performance across all formats. Asitha Fernando will lead the pace attack, which will include Kumara, Malinga and Mohammed Shiraz. There are strong options in the spin department like Dunith Velazquez, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay.
Sri Lanka will start its New Zealand tour from December 28 with three T20 matches. The series will be followed by three ODIs, with the first match taking place in Wellington on January 5. The second and third ODIs will be played in Hamilton and Auckland on January 8 and 11 respectively.
Sri Lanka squad for New Zealand ODI: Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Zenith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellelage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahish Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickremesinghe, Asitha. Fernando, Mohammad Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Ishan Malinga.inga.
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