Uncapped Eshan Malinga in Sri Lanka ODI squad to NZ

Tuesday, 24 December 2024 01:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka effect four changes from side that won home series 2-0

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Eshan Malinga – debutant

Wanindu Hasaranga – return from injury

Lahiru Kumara – recalled

Nuwanidu Fernando – recalled

Mohamed Shiraz – first tour

Uncapped 23-year-old right-arm fast-medium bowler Eshan Malinga from Ratnapura has been picked for Sri Lanka’s squad of 17 for the upcoming three-match ODI series in New Zealand.

Malinga had displayed his promising talent by demonstrating his adaptability and skill in various playing conditions for the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team. His consistent performance in domestic cricket has garnered attention so that Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired him for INR 1.20 crore in the IPL 2025 auction.

Malinga’s ability to make breakthroughs has made him a key figure with any side. His first-class records include 39 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 28.74 and 20 wickets in List A matches at an average of 25.15.

Sri Lanka has made four changes from their squad that won the three-match home series against New Zealand 2-0 in November.

Returning to the team is all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who missed the New Zealand series with a hamstring injury, while fast bowler Lahiru Kumara and top order batsman Nuwanidu Fernando have been recalled.

Making way for the four players are batsmen Kusal Perera and Sadeera Samarawickrama, fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, and leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha who replaced Hasaranga in the home series.

All-rounder Dunith Wellalage, who was left out of the T20I squad, retains his place in the ODI team.

Fast-medium bowler Mohamed Shiraz will be making his first tour with the national side. He has been part of the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team before breaking into the national ODI side against India in August.

The rest of the squad remains unchanged with Charith Asalanka continuing as Captain.

The ODI matches will be played at Wellington (5 January day game), Hamilton (8 January d/n), and Auckland (11 January d/n).

Sri Lanka ODI squad to New Zealand

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga