Eshan Malinga procures call-up for NZ ODIs; Lahiru Kumara reviewed
Fast bowler Eshan Malinga's impressive 2024 has been capped with a maiden call-up to the national side after he was named in Sri Lanka's 17-man ODI squad for their limited-overs tour of New Zealand.
Close by Malinga, seamer Lahiru Kumara has likewise procured a review, with individual speedy Dilshan Madushanka clearing a path. On the batting front, Sadeera Samarawickrama has been dropped for Nuwanidu Fernando. The remainder of the crew is unaltered from the one that confronted New Zealand at home the month before.
Malinga, who had made his homegrown presentation in 2022, has gotten 20 wickets in 12 Rundown A games at a normal of 25.15. He had first come on the radar in 2019 subsequent to winning a cross country quick bowling challenge, where he timed a triumphant speed of 141kph.Malinga keeps on ascending in 2024, adding more consistency and control to his genuinely singing speed. It procured him a LPL contract with Jaffna Lords, and keeping in mind that he played only a single game in the season, he was likewise endorsed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2025. Malinga has likewise been a standard element in the Sri Lanka A side across designs.
Malinga's consideration corresponds with the melting away star of Madushanka, who has battled since getting back from injury prior in the year. He had completed the 2023 ODI World Cup as the third-most elevated wicket-taker, yet has overseen only 14 wickets in 11 ODIs in 2024.
The batting unit is moderately settled, with chief Charith Asalanka driving areas of strength for a that likewise incorporates Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis. While Nissanka has made certain about one opening spot, the other will go to one of Avishka Fernando or Nishan Madushka.
In the interim, Samarawickrama's prohibition comes on the rear of a lean stretch of structure across designs, while his substitution Nuwanidu offers a more forceful choice. Janith Liyanage, who is likewise a convenient crease bowling choice, is at present the best option choice for that lower center request compartment, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe additionally offers another inside and out crease bowling choice.
Asitha Fernando heads the speed unit, which additionally incorporates Kumara, Malinga and Mohamed Shiraz. Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay make up the twist bowling office.
Sri Lanka's visit through New Zealand starts with the three-match T20I series from December 28. The visit then, at that point, continues on toward the ODIs, with the first to be hung on January 5 in Wellington. That will be trailed by matches in Hamilton and Auckland on January 8 and 11, separately.