Jeffrey Vandersay returned to the side in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga as Sri Lanka chose to bat first after winning the toss in the first ODI against New Zealand at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, which is hosting an ODI for the first time since October 2018. .
Aside from this change, the home side made no further adjustments to the playing XI that faced the West Indies in the 3rd ODI last month.
New Zealand, on the other hand, handed ODI debuts to keeper-batter Mitch Hay (Cap 216), top-order batter Tim Robinson (Cap 217), and all-rounder Nathan Smith (Cap 218). Additionally, experienced batter Henry Nicholls returned to the side, along with Jacob Duffy.
Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
