New Zealand will play a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting March 25. Here is a look at the New Zealand v Sri Lanka squads for the ODI series.

New Zealand last played ODI cricket against India in India, losing that three-game series 3-0. The Kiwis, especially with the ODI World Cup on the horizon, would be hoping to get back to the winning ways. They do have recent precedent to draw inspiration from, having beaten Pakistan 2-1 in a three-game series away from home in January.

Incidentally, Sri Lanka’s last ODI series was also away to India. Sri Lanka lost that series 3-0. Prior to that, they were also stunned at home by Afghanistan, losing 2-1. Thus, they would be hoping to turn around their fortunes and register a vital series win against the Black Caps.

This series will be a part of the ODI World Cup Super League, and represents the final chance for Sri Lanka to seal automatic qualification for the ICC event later in the year. They are currently placed tenth and have 77 points, one point behind South Africa, who are in ninth and 11 points behind West Indies, who sit eighth.

Hence, if they were to convincingly win this series against New Zealand, it could go a long way in helping them directly qualify for the ODI World Cup without having to go through the grind of a qualifying round. The first ODI of the series takes place at Auckland on March 25 before the caravan moves to Christchurch, with the second ODI happening on March 28. The final ODI of the series is slated for March 31 and will take place at Hamilton. All three ODIs will be day-night affairs.

New Zealand v Sri Lanka squads: Full team lists

New Zealand: Yet to be announced

Sri Lanka: Yet to be announced

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