Lanka take on depleted Kiwis in first One-dayer | Sunday Observer

Lanka take on depleted Kiwis in first One-dayer

25 March, 2023
Sri Lanka White ball spinner Dunith Wellalage taking part in the training session with Assistant Batting Specialist Coach Thilina Kandamby. (Pix courtesy Sportspavilion. lk)
Sri Lanka White ball spinner Dunith Wellalage taking part in the training session with Assistant Batting Specialist Coach Thilina Kandamby. (Pix courtesy Sportspavilion. lk)

Sri Lanka one-day team led by Dasun Shanaka is determined to give a better performance when they play in the first ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand which will commence today at Auckland, starting at 6.30 a.m. (Sri Lanka time).

This is the last chance for the next world Cup qualifier said skipper Dasun Shanaka. The presence of Angelo Mathews also will strengthen the team while his experience as a captain and player is a huge benefit said the Sri Lanka skipper.

White ball specialist players joined the Sri Lanka team last Monday and had a physical fitness session as well as a training session under coach Chris Silverwood according to a team member.

Sri Lanka and South Africa both fighting for direct World Cup qualification and the two sides have a narrow one-point margin at the points table for the ICC one-day ranking.

However, South Africa have five more ODI matches including two Netherlands matches while Sri Lanka have only three more.

New Zealand haven't included star players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway for the ODI series as they have been given a chance to play IPL but the new look New Zealand side is expected to give a good challenge against Sri Lanka with their home advantage.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka team had to face a major issue yesterday as all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva is alleged to have refused to play as number seven batter and demanded to play among the first five of the batting lineup.

This is a very unfortunate incident as senior all rounder Dhananjaya' demanded as the team management has a good idea earlier about the playing eleven and they are likely to change their plan by adding another player for Dhananjaya de Silva.

A senior official of the Sri Lanka Cricket said players have to be ready to play any position for the team balance and it was an unwanted issue especially just before the match.

Sri Lanka team is planning to open with Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando while Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews are number three and number four batsmen. Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka are number five and six while Dhananjaya de Silva was to bat at number seven and spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and three paceman Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara as the tailenders. However due to Dhananjaya de Silva issue now his place will be taken by fast bowling all rounder Chamika Karunarathna or the mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana. However, in a twitter message Dhananjaya de Silva denied that he did not want to bat at number seven.

After observation of the wicket final eleven is going to be decided. Sri Lanka ODI team played good competitive cricket against India in India and this will be a good opportunity to beat New Zealand for World Cup direct qualification. If Sri Lanka does not qualify they will have to play World Cup qualifying round in Zimbabwe.

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