Kusal Perera has been named in Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, alongside seamer Mohamed Shiraz. Perera, who last played an ODI nearly a year ago, earned his place after a notable 55 in a recent T20I against the West Indies. Shiraz, aged 29, has been impressive in domestic cricket, with 84 List A wickets at an average of 18.75, although his international experience is limited to four overs.
Sri Lanka’s T20I squad remains unchanged from the series against the West Indies, which they won 2-1. Chamindu Wickramasinghe, a newcomer and versatile all-rounder, retains his spot in both the ODI and T20I squads. Dinesh Chandimal, who has not appeared in white-ball internationals since 2022, also remains in the T20I lineup after strong domestic performances.
Key batters such as Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Charith Asalanka are expected to anchor the ODI batting order, with Bhanuka Rajapaksa bringing firepower in the T20I middle order. Janith Liyanage, known for his accumulating style and seam-bowling abilities, adds depth in the ODIs.
The spin department features Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Dunith Wellalage across both formats. In seam bowling, however, there are differences: Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Binura Fernando are limited to T20Is, while Dilshan Madushanka and Shiraz are exclusive to ODIs. Asitha Fernando will participate in both formats.
Four of the matches — three T20Is and one ODI — will take place in Dambulla, with the remaining two ODIs scheduled for Pallekele. The series kicks off on November 9.
T20I 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, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando
ODI Squad: Charith Asalanka (capt.), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz