Keen to continue winning momentum in ODIs – skipper Asalanka
Sri Lanka white-ball skipper Charith Asalanka says his team is riding high on confidence after their thrilling victory over New Zealand in the high-scoring third and final T20 on Thursday. The two teams now square off in a three-match ODI series, starting today at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The match is scheduled to begin at 3:30am Sri Lankan time.
Despite losing the first two games of the T20 series, Sri Lanka clinched the final match by seven runs, courtesy of Kusal Perera’s maiden T20 century. The innings powered the islanders from the Palk Strait to their first T20 victory in New Zealand since 2006.
Sri Lanka became the first team to record a win in 2025, beating New Zealand by 7 runs, and skipper Charith Asalanka intends to lead his team to more wins with that momentum - AFP
“The best thing is the momentum shift to our side in the last game,” said skipper Asalanka during the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
“I think we played good cricket throughout the series, especially in the first game. We were almost there but couldn’t win. I think momentum is key for this tournament.”
Sri Lanka nearly had the opening game in their grasp, sitting comfortably at 120 for no loss in the 14th over while chasing 173 for victory. However, a dramatic batting collapse resulted in an eight-run defeat. New Zealand then dominated the second game, cruising to a 45-run win. Sri Lanka, however, rallied in the final match, securing a much-needed consolation victory.
“It is a huge boost for us to win the last game, and I think we can carry this momentum into the ODI series as well. We all know how strong the New Zealand team is, with a lot of talented cricketers in their ranks. It’s a tough task for us, but we are ready to give it our best shot,” Asalanka stated confidently.
Asalanka hinted at possible changes in the playing XI, as Sri Lanka aims to gain an early lead in the series. Fast bowler Eshan Malinga is likely to make his debut in international ODI cricket on a pitch that traditionally helps pace bowling.
Malinga, who had an impressive 2024 domestic season, earned a maiden call-up to the national side as part of Sri Lanka’s 17-man ODI squad for the current series.
“There’s a good chance of seeing a new face in the playing XI,” Asalanka hinted.
“We have not yet finalised the playing XI, but as I said, there’s a high possibility of a new player breaking into the side.”
Malinga made his domestic debut in 2022 and has since been on the rise. He picked up 20 wickets in 12 List ‘A’ games at an average of 25.15. His performances in 2024 were bolstered by greater consistency and control in his pace. Malinga also secured an LPL contract with the Jaffna Kings and was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2025, despite playing only one game in the LPL season. He has been a consistent performer for the Sri Lanka ‘A’ side across formats.
“If you look at Malinga, he has bowled extremely well over the last few months. He has that extra pace and has impressed all of us, which is why he is in the final squad. He’s a player with a big future, and we’re hoping to get the best out of him,” Asalanka added.
Sri Lanka’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Asitha Fernando and is likely to include Lahiru Kumara, who returns to the side after missing the recent home series against New Zealand.
“There’s no doubt about Lahiru Kumara’s talent. He picked up four wickets in the last game he played but had to miss out due to injury. The Kumara we see now is in fine form, and it’s exciting to have him back,” said the skipper.
The batting unit remains relatively settled, with Asalanka leading a strong contingent that includes Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kamindu Mendis. Nissanka is set to open the batting along with either Avishka Fernando or Nishan Madushka.
In the lower middle order, Janith Liyanage, a handy seam-bowling all-rounder, is the first-choice option. Chamindu Wickramasinghe provides another seam-bowling all-round alternative. Nuwanidu Fernando, called up to replace Sadeera Samarawickrama, is also in contention for a place in the side. Sri Lanka’s spin department features a wealth of options, including Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay, ensuring a balanced attack.
In 2024 Sri Lanka won five out of the six series played, including against today’s opponents New Zealand and India with 11 out of 12 ODI wins coming in the same season. Today’s ODI fixture will be followed by matches in Hamilton and Auckland on January 8 and 11, respectively.
| Squads | |
| Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (Capt), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (Capt), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Hay (wk), Tom Latham (wk), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke |