New Zealand Announce T20I And ODI Squads for Sri Lanka Tour

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has today named their squad for the upcoming limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka. The Kiwis will play two T20Is and three ODIs against the hosts from November 9 to 19.

Interim captain Mitchell Santner will lead the New Zealand side for the tour, taking over the reins from Kane Williamson who stepped down as captain following New Zealand’s early exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Santner, a left-arm spinner and all-rounder, has a strong record as captain in T20Is, having led the side in 22 matches with a win percentage of over 50%.

The New Zealand squad for the Sri Lanka tour includes a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters. Notable absentees from the squad include Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, and Kane Williamson, who will be focusing on preparing for the upcoming Test series against England.

Two players have received maiden call-ups to the New Zealand squad: all-rounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay. Smith, who was named Domestic Player of the Year, has impressed with his bowling and batting performances in domestic cricket. Hay, on the other hand, has been in excellent form for Canterbury and has been rewarded with a place in the national team.

Injured and Unavailable Players:

Several players were not considered for selection due to injuries or other commitments. Ben Sears, Ben Lister, Kyle Jamieson, and Adi Ashok were ruled out due to injuries, while spinner Cole McConchie is on paternity leave.

New Zealand’s Record in Sri Lanka:

New Zealand has a mixed record in Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket. In ODIs, they have lost 17 out of 26 matches, with four matches ending in no result. However, in T20Is, New Zealand has a slight edge, winning four out of nine matches with one match ending in no result.

New Zealand’s ODI and T20I squad

Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (WK), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young

Series Schedule:

(i) 1st T20I: Saturday, November 9, Dambulla

(ii) 2nd T20I: Sunday, November 10, Dambulla

(iii) 1st ODI: Wednesday, November 13, Dambulla

(iv) 2nd ODI: Sunday, November 17, Kandy

(v) 3rd ODI: Tuesday, November 19, Kandy

As New Zealand prepares for their tour of Sri Lanka, the team will be looking to build on their recent success and secure victories in both the T20I and ODI series. With a talented squad and a strong leadership group, the Kiwis have the potential to make a significant impact on the tour.