Wanindu Hasaranga Makes a Comeback for ODIs Against New Zealand

Colombo, Dec 23 (NationPress) Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is back in Sri Lanka's ODI lineup for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand, which kicks off on January 5 in Wellington.

Sri Lanka will embark on a trip to New Zealand for three T20Is followed by an equal number of ODIs, before heading to Australia for a two-Test series later in January.

Hasaranga's return to the ODI squad comes after he missed the last series against Afghanistan in November due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Dunith Wellalage, who was left out of the T20I squad for this tour, keeps his place in the 50-over format.

There have been four adjustments to the squad from last month, with Dushan Hemantha, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Dishan Madushanka excluded. Notably, Perera, who made his ODI return during the New Zealand series post the 2023 World Cup, did not get any game time. Hemantha, who stepped in for Hasaranga in the previous series, has also been omitted.

Alongside Hasaranga, Sri Lanka has added batter Nuwanidu Fernando, who debuted against India in 2023 and has participated in five ODIs, and fast bowler Lahiru Kumara, returning after his last appearance in March against Bangladesh. The squad also includes uncapped medium-pacer Eshan Malinga for the 50-over matches.

Sri Lanka's squad for the ODI series: 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.