Rajapaksa Retained, Wellalage Dropped from Sri Lanka T20I Squad for NZ Tour

Sri Lanka has named an essentially unchanged 16-man squad for the upcoming three-T20I series in New Zealand later this month, with only Dunith Wellalage missing out from the squad that faced the same opposition at home last month. The team is set to depart for New Zealand on December 20. While no official reason has been given for Wellalage’s omission, his spin-bowling skills may be less practical in New Zealand’s seam-friendly conditions. Wellalage is currently competing in the Lanka T10 tournament for the Jaffna Titans.

Aside from Wellalage’s absence, the rest of Sri Lanka’s squad, led by Charith Asalanka, remains unchanged. Key batting options include Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, and Asalanka himself. Chamindu Wickramasinghe is expected to play a more prominent role on this tour, serving as the sole seam-bowling allrounder in the squad.

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NZ vs SL, T20I series

Dec 28 – 1st T20I, Mount Maunganui
Dec 30 – 2nd T20I, Mount Maunganui
Jan 2 – 3rd T20I, Nelson

Despite some underwhelming performances in the recent Abu Dhabi T10 and Sri Lanka’s previous series against New Zealand, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has retained his place in the squad. Similarly, Dinesh Chandimal continues to feature, though his last T20I appearance was in February 2022, despite being included in recent squads.

Wickramasinghe will bolster the squad, adding depth to the seam attack, alongside Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, and Binura Fernando. Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay complete the lineup in the spin department.

The first two T20Is will be held in Mount Maunganui on December 28 and 30, with the final match scheduled in Nelson on January 2.

Sri Lanka squad for T20I series in New Zealand

Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando

Bartlett and Peirson Power Heat to Defeat Stars

The Melbourne Stars suffered their second consecutive defeat in BBL 2024-25 as Brisbane Heat began their title defense with a resounding eight-wicket victory at the MCG. Chasing Stars’ total of 162 for 6, Heat secured the win with 11 balls to spare, led by wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson, who scored an unbeaten 72 – his highest BBL score. Peirson and Max Bryant, who contributed 36 not out, combined for a decisive 78-run partnership to seal the result.

The Stars appeared lackluster in the field, struggling to create pressure on Heat’s batting. Heat took charge early in the chase and maintained control throughout. This result leaves the Stars winless after their first two BBL 2024-25 matches, following a loss to the Perth Scorchers the previous Sunday night.

Brisbane Heat was notably impacted by injuries, missing key players such as English recruit Tom Alsop (quad), star import Colin Munro (hamstring), along with key fast bowlers Spencer Johnson (toe) and Michael Neser (hamstring). In response, Heat debuted Daniel Drew and Tom Whitney, who stepped up to contribute to the team’s victory.

Stars Struggle as Peirson, Wood Shine; Maxwell Set for Return

Jack Wood, who last played in the BBL in 2022, opened the batting alongside Jimmy Peirson, contributing a crucial 27 runs. Sam Harper top-scored for the Stars with 46, but his innings ended when he was bowled by Matt Kuhnemann just as he looked set for a bigger total.

In his 100th game for the Stars, captain Marcus Stoinis claimed the wicket of Paul Walter for 16 runs in one over but was dismissed for 26 off the first ball of the power surge, caught by Wood. Hilton Cartwright added 15 runs for the Stars, just three days after he was taken off the field on a medi-cab and placed in a neck brace following an awkward dive in the field. Fortunately, Cartwright was later cleared of severe neck injury and released from the hospital.

In a positive update for the Stars, allrounder Glenn Maxwell has confirmed he will be fit to play in Friday night’s clash against Adelaide Strikers at the Adelaide Oval. Maxwell, who injured his hamstring while playing for Australia in November, had been a significant concern for his hopes of making the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka. However, after bowling at the MCG before the Heat match, Maxwell declared himself ready for the Strikers match.

Brisbane Heat will next play on Sunday when they host the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba.