DAMBULLA: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka, who last tasted victory against New Zealand in a One Day International (OD) back in 2015, is hopeful for a comeback as the two teams meet in the first ODI of a three-match series. This day-night clash will kick off at 2:30 PM today at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium, a familiar setting for the hosts who have shown promising form in recent home matches.
The New Zealand team, on the other hand, returns to ODI action after nearly a year, having last played against Bangladesh in Napier in December 2023. The Black Caps might have a bit of rust, which Sri Lanka hopes to exploit, particularly as the home team has managed to keep a winning momentum in the recent ODIs played on home turf.
Sri Lanka faces a significant gap in their bowling lineup with Wanindu Hasaranga missing out on the series. Jeffrey Vandersay, however, will be stepping up to replace the star leg-spinner. Known for his steady performances as Hasaranga’s backup, Vandersay is no stranger to pressure situations. In August, he claimed six vital wickets against India in Colombo, proving his worth when the team needed it most. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka praised Vandersay’s readiness, saying, “We have good bench strength. When Pathum Nissanka was sidelined, Nishan Madushka played excellently. Likewise, Vandersay can fill in for Hasaranga effectively.”
While Asalanka hinted at a stable approach to the lineup, Avishka Fernando is expected to open, backed by his recent solid performances. “Avishka has batted well in the last two series,” said Asalanka, emphasizing the importance of providing players with consistent opportunities.
Sri Lanka is likely to field one leg-spinner in Vandersay, along with Maheesh Theekshana as their primary spin duo, supported by two fast bowlers. The Dambulla wicket has a reputation for assisting spinners, though Asalanka noted, “We expect it to be spin-friendly than usual.” Still, the skipper is clear about the team’s plan, saying, “We’ll aim to score big if we bat first, given the pitch conditions.”
New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner will be a focal point for Sri Lanka, as the left-arm spinner has been a consistent threat on turning tracks. With speedster Adam Milne replacing Lockie Ferguson, the Kiwi attack retains firepower. Asalanka mentioned that Sri Lanka will be cautious of the extra pace Milne brings to the game, which could be pivotal on Dambulla’s unpredictable surface.
Kusal Mendis, who recovered from an injury, is expected to play, adding experience and stability to the middle order. This ODI marks Dambulla’s return as a host venue after six years, last hosting an ODI series against England in 2018, when England won 1-0. It is also the first ODI match for Charith Asalanka at Dambulla.
Sri Lanka’s last ODI victory against New Zealand came under Angelo Mathews’ captaincy in Nelson in 2015. Since then, the Black Caps have dominated, winning eight out of nine encounters, with only one match ending in a no-result. Asalanka and his squad hope to break this streak, banking on a familiar pitch and recent momentum to secure an elusive win against the Kiwis.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz.
New Zealand ODI Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay (wk), Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young.
