Sri Lanka are preparing to face New Zealand in a three-match ODI series after their T20I series ended in a 1-1 draw. The first ODI will be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Wednesday, November 13.

This series promises to be a crucial test for both teams, with Sri Lanka aiming to build on their recent T20I form and the Blackcaps looking to assert dominance in the 50-over format.

Key Sri lanka players to watch out 

Sri Lanka will rely on a handful of key players to make a significant impact in the ODI series. Opener Pathum Nissanka, who was the highest run-scorer in the T20I series with 71 runs, will be one to watch. His solid technique and ability to anchor the innings make him a crucial figure in the top order. Additionally, Dunith Wellalage, who was one of the most valuable players of the T20I series where he took 3 wickets and and scored some valuable runs, will be instrumental with both ball and bat. His all-round abilities give Sri Lanka the flexibility to challenge New Zealand across all departments.

Best playing XI for Sri Lanka for the ODI series against New Zealand

1. Charith Asalanka (Captain)

• Role: Batting All-Rounder
• Strengths: Asalanka’s aggressive batting style allows him to take charge early in the innings, making him a key player for Sri Lanka. His ability to unsettle bowlers from the outset will be vital for setting a strong foundation.
• Impact: Asalanka, who has matured into a leader, will also captain the side, bringing both his batting prowess and leadership skills to the forefront. His assertive play can shift the momentum of any game, making him an indispensable asset at the top of the order.

2. Kusal Mendis

• Role: Opener
• Strength: Mendis has built a reputation for explosive starts and will be tasked with providing Sri Lanka with a high tempo from the very beginning. His ability to attack both pace and spin effectively makes him a potent weapon at the top.
• Impact: With his attacking mindset, Mendis can lay the groundwork for a competitive total, ensuring that Sri Lanka has a strong platform to build upon in the early overs.

Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024: New Zealand’s best playing XI for the ODI series against Sri Lanka

3. Pathum Nissanka

• Role: Opener
• Strength:  Nissanka’s ability to rotate the strike and build solid partnerships will be crucial for maintaining stability at the top of the order.
• Impact: A technically sound batter, Nissanka has already proven his worth in T20s and is expected to play a pivotal role in anchoring the innings and building partnerships in the ODIs. His adaptability will be key in either anchoring or accelerating the innings as needed.

4. Avishka Fernando

• Role: Top-Order Batter
• Strength: Known for his precise shot selection, Fernando’s ability to read game situations and perform under pressure makes him an experienced asset in the middle order, especially in critical match moments.
• Impact: Fernando’s presence in the middle overs will provide a calm and composed approach, ensuring that Sri Lanka can finish strong when the pressure mounts.

5. Kamindu Mendis

• Role: Middle-Order Batter
• Strength: Mendis’s fearless approach and power-hitting capability provide Sri Lanka with a dynamic option in the middle overs. His quick-fire innings can turn the tide of a game, especially when the batting side needs to accelerate.
• Impact: His boundary-hitting ability in the middle overs will be crucial in helping Sri Lanka gain momentum during the match, especially in tight contests.

6. Kusal Perera

• Role: Wicketkeeper Batter
• Strength: Perera’s calm demeanor and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make him a valuable finisher. His dual role as a wicketkeeper adds balance to Sri Lanka’s side, ensuring solid fielding while being a reliable middle-order batter.
• Impact: Perera will be relied upon to stabilize the innings in the middle order and finish games strongly, ensuring that Sri Lanka can post competitive totals and chase down targets effectively.

7. Jeffrey Vandersay

• Role: All-Rounder
• Strength: Vandersay is one of Sri Lanka’s most dynamic players in ODI, excelling with the ball his skillful spin bowling and ability to take quick wickets in the middle overs will be key against New Zealand’s strong batting lineup.
• Impact: With his ability to turn a game with the ball, Vandersay will be pivotal in providing balance to Sri Lanka’s lineup and ensuring they have the tools to challenge New Zealand across all formats.

8. Dunith Wellalage

• Role: Spinner
• Strength: The left-arm spin of Wellalage will be crucial in containing New Zealand’s aggressive batters during the middle overs. His control and maturity for a young player are commendable, and he has the ability to pick up key wickets when the pressure is high.
• Impact: Wellalage’s composure and control under pressure make him an asset for Sri Lanka, and he will be a key player in the middle overs, helping to slow down New Zealand’s progress while taking crucial wickets.

9. Maheesh Theekshana

• Role: Spin Bowler
• Strength: Theekshana’s ability to generate turn and variation will be a critical weapon in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. His experience will play a significant role in exploiting home conditions, where he can make the most of the spin-friendly pitches.
• Impact: Theekshana will be expected to lead Sri Lanka’s spin attack, especially in key middle-overs phases. His ability to break partnerships and control the game’s tempo will be vital in disrupting New Zealand’s batting order.

10. Asitha Fernando

• Role: Fast Bowler
• Strength: Asitha’s swing and control will be a major asset to Sri Lanka’s pace attack. His ability to move the ball in the air will be important, particularly in the early stages of the innings.
• Impact: Asitha’s experience in Sri Lankan conditions, combined with his ability to make early breakthroughs, will be essential in disrupting New Zealand’s opening batters and ensuring that Sri Lanka can put pressure on the opposition from the outset.

11. Dilshan Madushanka

• Role: Fast Bowler
• Strength: Madushanka’s express pace and accuracy make him a dangerous weapon, especially during the powerplay and death overs. His yorkers and aggressive approach will be vital in breaking key partnerships and containing runs.
• Impact: Madushanka’s raw pace and aggressive mindset will make him a significant threat, particularly in the final overs, where his ability to execute deliveries under pressure will play a major role in restricting New Zealand’s scoring.

Also READ: 5 New Zealand players to record a hat-trick in T20Is ft. Lockie Ferguson

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