3 Sri Lankan players to watch out for from their 1st ODI clash against New Zealand

The first ODI of the three-match series will see Sri Lanka against the hosts after the team lost the three-match T20I series against New Zealand. It is scheduled for Sunday, January 1st in Wellington’s Basin Reserve. Following a lacklustre performance in the first two Twenty20 International matches, the Islanders’ performance in the third and final T20I was outstanding.

Charith Asalanka’s team will try to win the first match of the ODI series so they can get off to a winning start and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Sri Lanka will aim to field a potent playing lineup against the Blackcaps in the opening ODI.

1. Kamindu Mendis 

The middle-order batsman from Sri Lanka has been playing exceptionally well lately.  Kamindu Mendis has performed well in the T20 league and scored runs in Test matches. He must adapt his performances to the One-Day International (ODI) format and help the Sri Lankan team’s middle order. In 14 ODI games, he scored 231 and gave stability to the team.

 2. Kusal Mendis

Mendis started all three games as well; however, he was unable to score many runs. He shared a century-plus stand with Nissanka and scored 46 runs in the opening game against New Zealand in T20I. The right-handed hitter scored 10 and 22 runs in the following two games. In 138 ODI games, he scored 4251 runs. He smashed 4 centuries and 32 half-centuries in ODI format.

3. Maheesh Theekshana

Sri Lanka has benefited greatly since Maheesh Theekshana joined the team. Mahesh Theekshana’s spin bowling helps him to be a unique bowler in the team. He took up four wickets in his 2021 ODI debut against South Africa. Sri Lanka triumphed by 78 runs following the mystery spinner’s outstanding ODI debut. In 48 games he picked 65 wickets and has provided breakthroughs when needed.

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.

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