Sri Lanka preparing to meet New Zealand a three-match ODI series After the T20I series ended in a 1-1 draw. The first ODI will be played on Wednesday, November 13 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.
This series promises to be an important test for both teams, with Sri Lanka aiming to build on their recent T20I form and the Blackcaps looking to dominate the 50-over format.
Key players to watch out for in Sri Lanka’s squad
Sri Lanka will rely on several key players to make a significant impact in the ODI series. An opener Pathum NissankaThe highest run-scorer in the T20I series with 71 runs will be watched. His solid technique and ability to anchor shots make him an important figure in the top order. In addition, Dunith WellalageOne of the most valuable players in the T20I series with 3 wickets and valuable runs, he will be effective with both ball and bat. His all-round abilities give Sri Lanka the agility to challenge New Zealand across all departments.
Best player XI for Sri Lanka for ODI series against New Zealand
1. Charith Asalanka (Captain)
- Role: All round stroke
- Strengths: Asalanka’s aggressive batting style allows him to take charge early in the innings, making him a key player for Sri Lanka. His ability to trouble the bowlers right from the start will be crucial to building a strong foundation.
- Impact: Matured as a leader, Asalanka will also be the captain of the side, bringing to the fore both his batting skills and leadership skills. His assertive play can change the momentum of any game, making him an invaluable asset at the top of the order.
2. Where in Mandy
- Role: Opener
- Power: Mendis has earned a reputation for explosive starts and will be tasked with providing Sri Lanka with high pace from day one. Attack speed and effective rotation make it a powerful weapon at the top.
- Impact: With his attacking mentality, Mendis can lay the foundation of a competitive total, ensuring that Sri Lanka have a strong platform to build on in the early overs.
Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024: New Zealand’s best XI for ODI series against Sri Lanka
3. Pathum Nissanka
- Role: Opener
- Power: Nissanka’s ability to rotate the strike and build solid partnerships will be crucial to maintaining stability at the top of the order.
- Impact: A technically sound batsman, Nissanka has already proved his worth in T20s and is expected to play a vital role in strengthening the innings and building partnerships in ODIs. His adaptability will be key to anchoring or pacing shots when needed.
4. Avishka Fernando
- Role: Best Order Pastry
- Power: Known for his accurate shot selection, Fernando’s ability to read game situations and perform under pressure makes him an experienced asset in the middle order, especially at critical moments of the match.
- Impact: Fernando’s presence in the middle innings will ensure a calm and composed approach and ensure that Sri Lanka produce a strong result when the pressure is on.
5. Kamindu Mendis
- Role: Medium dough
- Power: Mendis’ fearless approach and power-hitting ability provide Sri Lanka with a dynamic option in the middle overs. His quick-fire shots can turn the tide of a game, especially when the batsman needs to accelerate.
- Impact: His ability to hit the boundary in the medium shots will help Sri Lanka gain momentum during the match, especially in tight contests.
6. Kusal Perera
- Role: Wicketkeeper Batter
- Power: Perera’s calm demeanor and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make him a valuable finisher. His dual role as a wicket-keeper adds balance to the Sri Lankan side, providing a solid pitch while being a reliable middle-order batsman.
- Impact: Perera will be relied upon to steady the innings in the middle order and finish games strongly, ensuring that Sri Lanka can post competitive totals and chase down the targets effectively.
7. Jeffrey Vandersay
- Role: Comprehensive
- Power: Vandersay is one of Sri Lanka’s most dynamic players in ODIs, bowling excellent spin with the ball and the ability to take quick wickets in the middle innings will be key against New Zealand’s strong batting line-up.
- Impact: With his ability to turn the game around with the ball, Vandersay will be instrumental in providing balance to Sri Lanka’s squad and ensuring they have the tools to challenge New Zealand in all formats.
8. Dunith Wellalage
- Role: Spinner
- Power: Wellalage’s left-arm spin will be instrumental in countering New Zealand’s aggressive batting in the middle overs. His control and maturity for a young player is commendable and he has the ability to take key wickets when the pressure is on.
- Impact: Wellalage’s composure and control under pressure make him an asset for Sri Lanka and he will be a key player in the middle innings, helping to slow down New Zealand’s progress while taking important wickets.
9. Mahesh Theekshana
- Role: Spin Bowler
- Power: Theekshana’s ability to create spin and variation will be a critical weapon in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. His experience will be instrumental in taking advantage of home conditions, where he can make the most of the spin-friendly pitches.
- Impact: Theekshana is expected to lead Sri Lanka’s spin attack, especially in the key middle overs. His ability to break partnerships and control the tempo of the game will be vital in disrupting New Zealand’s batting order.
10. We hate Fernando
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Power: Asitha’s swing and control will be a key asset to Sri Lanka’s pace attack. His ability to move the ball through the air will be important, especially in the early stages of the innings.
- Impact: Asitha’s experience in Sri Lankan conditions, coupled with her ability to make early breakthroughs, will be essential in disrupting New Zealand’s opening batsmen and ensuring that Sri Lanka can put pressure on the opposition from the start.
11. Dilshan Madushanka
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Power: Madushanka’s quick pace and accuracy make him a dangerous weapon, especially during the powerplay and death passes. His yorkers and aggressive approach will be instrumental in disrupting key partnerships and preventing runs.
- Impact: Madushanka’s quick pace and aggressive mindset will make him a significant threat, especially as his ability to deliver under pressure will play a big role in limiting New Zealand’s scoring.
