Sri Lanka Excludes Dunith Wellalage from T20I Squad for New Zealand Series
Sri Lanka has left out promising spinning all-rounder Dunith Wellalage for the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand, beginning next week. This marks the only change in the squad from the previous home series against the Kiwis. While the Sri Lankan team for that series consisted of 17 players, the touring party for the New Zealand T20Is has been reduced to 16 members.
Charith Asalanka continues to lead the side, which boasts a well-balanced mix of pace and spin options. All-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who made his debut in the last series, retains his spot as the sole seam-bowling all-rounder in the squad. The competition for this role is thought to be the reason Wellalage missed out, particularly given the conditions expected in New Zealand.
Sri Lanka's spin department remains strong, with the experienced Wanindu Hasaranga leading the charge alongside Maheesh Theekshana and leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay. The pace attack is headed by Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Asitha Fernando, with tall left-arm pacer Binura Fernando providing valuable support.
The first two T20Is will be held on December 28 and 30 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, with the final match scheduled for Saxton Oval, Nelson. Following the T20Is, the two teams will face off in a three-match ODI series.
