On February 24, Sri Lanka Cricket announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand. The Asia Cup winners will play two tests, three ODIs, and as many T20Is while in New Zealand. The first test of the trip will be played on March 9 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, and the second test will be held at Basin Reserve in Wellington.
Sri Lanka has been in top form in the ongoing World Test Championship calendar for 2021-23. With a points ratio of 53.33, they are presently ranked third on the points table. The final two Test matches are crucial for Sri Lanka to advance to the World Test Championship final.
Nishan Madushka and pacer Milan Rathnayake have received their first call-ups. Chamika Karunaratne is returning to the Test setup after playing his first Test against Australia in February 2019.
The veterans like Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, and Dinesh Chandimal are also there in the squad captained by Dimuth Karunaratne.
To reach a points percentage of 61.11, they must win both of their remaining Test matches and hope that India wins the current series against Australia by a score of 2-0, 2-1, or 4-0. The World Test Championship final, which begins on June 7 at the Oval in London, will contain Sri Lanka if both of the possibilities are fulfilled.
Sri Lanka Squad for New Zealand Tests:-
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Nishan Madushka, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Chamika Karunaratne, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake
