Sri Lanka rest Mendis, Nissanka, among others for 3rd ODI vs New Zealand

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Asitha Fernando have been rested for the third One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in a bid to keep them fresh for the upcoming tour of South Africa. Nuwanidu Fernando, Lahiru Udara, and Eshan Malinga have been included in the squad in their absence.

Sri Lanka have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, with Kusal playing a key role in both matches. In the first game, he smashed 142 off just 128 deliveries and followed that with a patient unbeaten 74 off 102 deliveries to help Sri Lanka chase down 210. 

South Africa and Sri Lanka clash in a two-match Test series, which will get underway from November 27. This is a vital series keeping in mind the World Test Championship (WTC) final aspirations for both sides, 

Sri Lanka are at the third place on the WTC points table with a PCT of 55.56, while South Africa are two spots below with 54.17 PCT. 

Both teams need to win both matches in the series and the remaining matches in this WTC cycle to have a chance of making the final at Lord's in June.

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