As Sri Lanka gears up for its first T20I match against New Zealand, skipper Charith Asalanka stressed the team’s ambition to rise in the ICC rankings. The two-match T20I series is set to begin on November 9 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, with the final game on November 10 at the same venue.
Asalanka highlighted the team’s goal of reaching the top three in ICC rankings, pointing out the importance of consistency in their performances. “Climbing up the rankings reflects consistent wins,” Asalanka told ESPNcricinfo. “If we maintain this consistency, we’ll be better prepared for ICC tournaments and less likely to be caught off guard.”
Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s strong performances in the past, Asalanka added, “We want to return to the level where we used to reach semi-finals with ease, as we did in 2014. Playing well on every tour is crucial for us to get there.”
The skipper also noted that competition within the squad for playing spots is essential for building a strong team. “We aim to field our best XI, which pushes our bench strength to improve as well. Each player understands what it takes to secure a spot, and that competition drives everyone to perform,” Asalanka said. “Ideally, by the end of the year, we will have a group of 15-16 strong players.”
For this series, Sri Lanka has retained the T20I squad that won the recent series against the West Indies 2-1. Notably, fast bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara are included in the T20I squad, with Asalanka leading the team in both the T20I and ODI series.
Sri Lanka’s T20I Squad for New Zealand Series:
Captain: Charith Asalanka
Other players: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Asitha Fernando.
The series is seen as an opportunity for Sri Lanka to build momentum and further strengthen their team ahead of future tournaments.
