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Kusal Mendis to sit out of Sri Lanka’s third ODI versus New Zealand

Kusal Mendis to sit out of Sri Lanka’s third ODI versus New Zealand

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Nov 18, 2024, 16:53 IST

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Sri Lanka has decided to rest star batsman Kusal Mendis and three other players for the final ODI against New Zealand. Despite holding an unassailable 2-0 lead, the hosts aim for a clean sweep in Pallekele. The move allows the rested players to prepare for the upcoming Test series in South Africa.

Kusal Mendis to sit out of Sri Lanka’s third ODI versus New Zealand

Kusal Mendis (AP Photo)

Sri Lanka's cricket board announced on Monday that batsman Kusal Mendis and three other players will miss the third and final one-day international against New Zealand. Sri Lanka has already secured a series victory with a 2-0 lead.
The final match will be played in Pallekele on Tuesday, with Sri Lanka looking to complete a clean sweep of the series.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Mendis has been instrumental in Sri Lanka's success, scoring 143 in the first match and an unbeaten 74 in the second, both of which were shortened due to rain.
Joining him in being rested are Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, and Pathum Nissanka.

“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,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in a release.
Taking their places in the squad will be top-order batsmen Nuwanidu Fernando and Lahiru Udara, as well as fast bowler Eshan Malinga.

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TOI Sports Desk

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