SL vs NZ: Former captain Shanaka overlooked yet again as Sri Lanka reveal squads

Former captain Dasun Shanaka remains on the sidelines as Sri Lanka announced their squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against New Zealand on November 6, Wednesday. Shanaka was overlooked for the West Indies series as well.

In Short

• Shanaka last played for Sri Lanka in T20Is in July 2024
• Charith Asalanka to lead both teams, with Kusal Perera making a return
• Sri Lanka and New Zealand will face off 2 T20Is and 3 ODIs

Former Sri Lanka white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka remains on the sidelines as the all-rounder continued to be overlooked as the ODI and T20I squads for the New Zealand was revealed on November 6, Wednesday. Charith Asalanka will continue to lead both teams, which also doesn't have pacer Dushmantha Chameera yet again.

Both Shanaka and Chameera were overlooked for the recent white-ball series against West Indies. The former Sri Lanka captain represented his side in the T20I format last during the India series in July this year and in the ODIs in January 2024 against Zimbabwe. The ODI squad for the New Zealand series also sees Kusal Perera make a return for the first time since the ODI World Cup. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who had made his comeback to the national setup during the West Indies series, retains his spot in the side.

The New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka white-ball leg follows the 2 Tests earlier in the year where the Blackcaps were beaten 0-2 by the Lankan Lions. The 2 T20Is will happen on November 9 and 10 in Dambulla. The ODI series, which begins on November 13, will also be played at the same venue, while the remaining 2 matches will be played at Pallakelle on November 17 and 19.

The ODI series will be of importance for both sides as New Zealand look to build towards the Champions Trophy next year. Sri Lanka, who failed to make it to the tournament, will be aiming to build momentum under new full-time coach Sanath Jayasuriya.

SL vs NZ: Full squads

Sri Lanka ODI Squad

Charith Asalanka (c), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz.

Sri Lanka T20I Squad

Charith Asalanka (C), 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 ODI and T20I squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wk), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young.