Sri Lanka to decide between Chamindu and Binura

Saturday, 28 December 2024 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}


Chamindu Wickramasinghe	Binura Fernando

First T20I against New Zealand today

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Sri Lanka will have to take a call on whether to play fast bowling all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe or left-arm fast bowler Binura Fernando for the first T20 International against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui today.

“We have two options, to play 6 batters with a fast bowling all-rounder and 4 bowlers (2 seamers and 2 spinners) or go with 6 batters and 5 bowlers (3 seamers and 2 spinners) with Wanindu Hasaranga playing the role of all-rounder,” said Sri Lanka’s Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya at the end of their practice session yesterday.

“We’ll probably make the decision later tonight or tomorrow morning after seeing the pitch.”

The two players in contention for that spot are Wickramasinghe and Fernando.

With regard to the pitch Jayasuriya said that it was on the slow side with grass and a spongy surface. “Batsmen will have to get used to the pace of the wicket because the ball will not come onto the bat that quickly,” said Jayasuriya.

“The bowlers will also have to control their lines because there is a stiff breeze blowing across the ground as we are playing close to the sea.”

Sri Lanka’s batting line up will be the same as the one that drew the two-match T20I series 1-all at home last month and comprises Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. The four bowlers are Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.

Sri Lanka’s last T20I tour to New Zealand in April 2023 saw the three matches being closely contested. Sri Lanka won the first match in the one-over eliminator after it was tied. New Zealand won the second quite comfortably by 9 wickets and the third by 4 wickets with one ball to spare.

There are six survivors of that tour in the present side – the captain Asalanka, Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Hasaranga and Theekshana.

Of the 8 T20Is Sri Lanka have played in New Zealand they have won 2 and lost 6, and they have yet to win a series there.

“We have to adapt quickly to the bounce and seam movement. New Zealand are a very tough side to beat,” said Asalanka ahead of the first T20I.

“In the recent past we have been doing well because of the mindset. If we execute our plans well, there is a good chance for us to beat New Zealand.”

New Zealand led by Mitchell Santner will be strengthened by the return of batsmen Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell and fast bowler Matt Henry all of whom were rested for the two-match T20I series in Sri Lanka.