Sri Lanka and New Zealand T20 Series Ends 1-1

The T20 series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand concluded with a 1-1 draw, as New Zealand won the second match by five runs, aided by a hat-trick from Lockie Ferguson, who will miss the ODIs due to a calf injury. Sri Lanka's leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand due to a left hamstring injury sustained during the second T20I, with Dushan Hemantha named as his replacement. Hasaranga was a standout performer in the T20 series, taking six wickets and being named Player of the Series. The ODI series will commence in Dambulla, with subsequent matches in Pallekele. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka emphasized the importance of maintaining performance consistency to improve team rankings.