Sri Lanka’s in-form star Kusal Mendis will sit out the third and final One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in Pallekele on Tuesday.
The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board announced on Monday that Mendis, along with three other key players, will be rested to prepare for the upcoming Test series in South Africa.
With an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, Sri Lanka aims to complete a clean sweep against the Kiwis in the final ODI.
Mendis Shines in Series
Kusal Mendis has been the standout performer in the series, delivering match-winning contributions in both games. The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed a breathtaking 143 in the first ODI and followed it up with an unbeaten 74 in the rain-affected second match. His heroics have been instrumental in securing Sri Lanka’s dominance over New Zealand.
Despite his absence in the final game, Mendis’ contributions have set the tone for a confident Sri Lankan side.
Rest for Recovery
The decision to rest Mendis, along with Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, and Pathum Nissanka, comes as part of Sri Lanka’s strategy to ensure player recovery ahead of the Test series in South Africa.
A statement from the Sri Lanka Cricket board clarified:
“The decision was taken by the selectors to give the above players adequate time to recover and prepare for the upcoming Test series in South Africa.”
New Faces in the Squad
In the absence of these key players, the team has called up fresh faces to strengthen their lineup for the final ODI.
- Nuwanidu Fernando and Lahiru Udara have been brought in as top-order batting reinforcements.
- Fast bowler Eshan Malinga has also been added to the squad to bolster the bowling attack.
These additions will give the newcomers a chance to prove themselves at the international level and contribute to a potential series sweep.
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Dominance in the Series
The team has displayed remarkable form throughout the series, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead with convincing performances:
- First ODI:
- Kusal Mendis led the charge with a majestic 143 as Sri Lanka posted a formidable total and cruised to victory despite interruptions from rain.
- Second ODI:
- Mendis again anchored the innings with an unbeaten 74, ensuring a comfortable win for the hosts in another rain-affected game.
The team’s all-round performances have highlighted their depth and adaptability, especially in challenging conditions.
Opportunity for New Zealand
For New Zealand, the final ODI presents an opportunity to salvage pride and end the series on a high note. The Kiwis will need to address their batting inconsistencies and step up their game to counter a confident Sri Lankan side, even without some of its key players.
With the Test series in South Africa looming, Sri Lanka’s decision to rest pivotal players demonstrates their focus on long-term success. The tour will be a challenging one, and having fully fit and prepared players like Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka will be crucial for their campaign.
Key Players to Watch
Sri Lanka:
- Nuwanidu Fernando: The young batter will have an opportunity to showcase his talent in the absence of seasoned players.
- Eshan Malinga: The fast bowler could add firepower to Sri Lanka’s attack in Pallekele.
New Zealand:
- Tom Latham: The skipper will need to lead from the front with a solid performance in the final match.
- Trent Boult: New Zealand’s experienced pacer could pose a significant threat to Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
What’s at Stake
- For Sri Lanka: Completing a 3-0 series sweep would provide a significant morale boost and reaffirm their dominance in the ODI format.
- For New Zealand: A win in the final ODI would restore some confidence and momentum ahead of their next assignment.
