New Zealand as they take on Sri Lanka in a six-match white-ball series, starting with the first T20I on Saturday, December 28, at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. This marks Santner’s debut series as New Zealand’s full-time white-ball captain, succeeding Kane Williamson, who stepped down following the 2024 T20 World Cup.
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Although Williamson has not retired from international cricket, he declined the central contract, casting uncertainty over his future in T20Is.
The spotlight will be on key players like Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, and Matt Henry. The selectors have also included debutant Bevon Jacobs, a promising hard-hitting batsman recently signed by the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Sri Lanka, under the leadership of Charith Asalanka, will pose a tough challenge. The team has shown significant improvement since Sanath Jayasuriya's appointment as head coach, evidenced by their series victories against India and New Zealand earlier this year. Key players for Sri Lanka include Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Dinesh Chandimal.
New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka on December 28 at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
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