Eshan Malinga named in Sri Lanka’s squad for New Zealand

Sri Lanka have included 23-year-old right-arm pacer Eshan Malinga in their ODI squad for games against New Zealand.

Malinga has been a quick riser in Sri Lankan domestic cricket, won a national fast bowling contract and has picked up 12 wickets at a very good average of 25.15. Notably, he was also signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2025, apart from being a regular feature of the Sri Lanka A side. Madushanka picking only 14 wickets in 11 ODIs helped Eshan’s selection as well. 

Lahiru Kumara, who had impactful performances with the ball in South Africa, is the other addition to the squad. The pacing unit also includes Asitha Fernando and Mohamed Shiraz.

Meanwhile, Sadeera Samarawickrama was dropped like Madushanka only for his lukewarm returns with the bat since the 2023 ODI World Cup. Aggressive option Nuwanidu Fernando comes in his place. Apart from that, the batting order largely remains the same, with Kusal Mendis, skipper Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis making its core. 

The ODI series begins on January 5 in Wellington and concludes on January 11. It will be preceded by a three-match T20I series. 

ODI Squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga