Eshan Malinga Receives First Sri Lanka ODI Call-Up for New Zealand Tour

Right-arm pacer Eshan Malinga has received his first-ever call-up to the Sri Lankan national team, being named in the 17-player ODI squad for their white-ball tour of New Zealand.

Malinga, who made his domestic debut in 2022, has been impressive, taking 20 wickets in 12 List A matches at an average of 25.15. His rise in 2024 has been remarkable, with his precision in pace and length playing a crucial role in his success. After impressing with his pace, Malinga secured a spot with the Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League. Though he featured in just one match, his performance earned him a place in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Malinga’s inclusion comes at a time when Dilshan Madushanka has struggled since his return from injury earlier this year. Despite being the third-highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Madushanka has managed only 14 wickets in 11 ODIs in 2024. Lahiru Kumara also returns to the squad, while the batting line-up sees a change, with Nuwanidu Fernando replacing Sadeera Samarawickrama, who has been excluded due to a prolonged poor run across all formats.

The rest of the batting order remains unchanged, with Charith Asalanka leading a strong unit that includes Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kamindu Mendis. In the pace attack, Asitha Fernando will be joined by Kumara, Malinga, and Mohamed Shiraz. Sri Lanka’s spin department also boasts several strong options, including Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay.

Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand will begin with three T20Is on December 28, followed by three ODIs starting on January 5 in Wellington. The second and third ODIs are scheduled for January 8 and 11 in Hamilton and Auckland, respectively.

Sri Lanka squad for NZ ODIs: Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga.