Sri Lanka go with confidence against inexperienced Kiwis
The Sri Lanka team, led by Charith Asalanka, is expected to continue their winning mentality when they play against New Zealand in their first T20 game today at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, commencing at 7 p.m. Ritzbury is the title sponsor for both the T20 and ODI series, and its General Manager of Marketing, Nilupul de Silva, stated that they are happy to be the sponsor for this series.
Sri Lanka paceman Nuwan Thushara getting ready to bowl while skipper Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga look on during the training session at Dambulla (Pic courtesy SLC).
Sri Lanka enters the series on the back of a 2-1 home series win over West Indies at the same venue, while New Zealand last played in the shortest format during the T20 World Cup 2024 in June, where they made a group stage exit. The Blackcaps, however, have a better record against Sri Lanka. The two teams last met in September 2019 at Pallekele, where the Kiwis won the series 2-1. For the first time, the two teams will face each other in Dambulla in this format. New Zealand comes into this series fresh off a 3-0 Test win over India, but with a new, less experienced team for the T20 format.
Sri Lanka has named the same squad that played against West Indies, while the new-look New Zealand side, led by leg spinner Mitchell Santner, is packed with youngsters as their senior players focus on the upcoming Test series against England.
Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka aims for full effort from his players for team success. The team is in good shape but will not underestimate their opponents in this short format. In this short format, any team making more mistakes risks losing the game. Sri Lanka aims to maintain consistency throughout the tournament, ready to take on the challenge as each result is vital for improving their rankings.
“We want to field the best team for the match, and having a strong bench is a plus,” said skipper Charith Asalanka.
“We hope for good weather, though rain might interrupt. We’ll adjust the team lineup accordingly and may add an extra pacer, but that hasn’t been finalized yet,” he added.
The Sri Lanka team looks to start strong with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, both in terrific form from the West Indies series. Other batsmen, like skipper Charith Asalanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Kamindu Mendis, and power-hitter Bhanuka Rajapaksa, need to build on this foundation. The number eight spot will go to either Dunith Wellalage or Chamindu Wickramasinghe, both bowling all-rounders.
Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has pointed out the importance of consistent performance, and the Sri Lanka team has worked hard during their training. Sri Lanka’s spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, are effective in home conditions, leading from the front. The pace attack consists of two speedsters, Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara, both with good experience in this format, having played in many franchise tournaments. Asitha Fernando, who bowled brilliantly against the West Indies, will support the pacemen. Pathirana’s death-over bowling gives the home team an advantage.
New Zealand has handed maiden call-ups to bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batsman Mitch Hay, as Mitchell Santner leads the team. The squad also includes Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, and Mark Chapman. Both Phillips and Chapman have previous experience from playing in the last LPL, which gives them an advantage.
New Zealand has a strong mix of pacers and spinners, with skipper Santner and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi posing a threat to Sri Lanka’s batsmen. Lockie Ferguson, known for his pace and aggression, will be important in Sri Lankan conditions. The team also has a solid batting lineup, with Will Young, Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, and Josh Clarkson, all capable of scoring quick runs. Skipper Santner has played 104 T20s and 104 ODIs, and with a team of young players, they are expected to pose a strong challenge in this two-match series.
Skipper Santner stated that defeating Sri Lanka in their home conditions is very tough, as they are very strong. “We have to work hard to make it a challenge. After losing both Tests at Galle, we did well to win the series against India. This is a very big challenge, and we want to start well with our young players,” said Santner.
Sri Lanka T -20 squad: Charith Asalanka (Capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando.
New Zealand T -20 squad: Mitchell Santner (Capt ), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young.
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