Sri Lanka prepare for New Zealand challenge with unchanged T20I squad
Sri Lanka have named a strong 16-member squad led by Charith Asalanka for a six-match white-ball series involving three T20Is followed by three ODIs, against New Zealand.
The homecoming ceremony of New Zealand’s World Cup squad has been put on hold due to some “logical complications”.
On Sunday, the Black Caps missed by a whisker the golden opportunity to win their first-ever World Cup title after they lost to England on boundary count in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at Lord’s.
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On Tuesday, New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive David White said while the team appreciated the enthusiasm from supporters to arrange a parade or function upon their arrival back into the country, the players will not be travelling together as some of them would be remaining in the UK for holidays.
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“We’ve been in conversations with the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Grant Robertson, and are mindful of the Prime Minister’s (Jacinda Ardern) enthusiasm for a welcome-home celebration,” stuff.co.nz quoted White as saying.
“At the moment, however, with some players arriving back at different times, some not arriving back at all, and others having alternative playing commitments, it’s just not practical.
“Hopefully, given the interest surrounding this, we can organise something appropriate in the weeks to come,” he added.
Talking about the match, England were chasing a 242-run target in the final against New Zealand but the whole team perished for 241 after 50 overs, forcing a Super Over to decide the winner. And to everyone’s surprise, the Super Over between the two teams also ended in a tie with England being the eventual winners by the virtue of boundary count.
(With inputs from IANS)
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