Nishan Peiris to debut as Sri Lanka announce playing XI for 2nd Test vs New Zealand

Sri Lanka have announced their playing XI for the second and final Test against New Zealand, beginning on September 26, at the Galle International Stadium. Off-spinner Nishan Peiris will make his Test debut and will partner Prabath Jayasuriya as the second frontline spinner.

Peiris was called up as a cover for right-arm speedster Vishwa Fernando and has now replaced Ramesh Mendis for the second Test. The 27-year-old has strong first-class numbers, with 172 scalps in 41 matches at 24.37 apiece alongside 12 fifers and a solitary ten-wicket haul.

The second change affected by the hosts was to bring in Milan Rathnayake for Lahiru Kumara, who went wicketless in both innings of their 63-run win in the opening Test. Rathnayake made his debut during the recent England tour and has so far taken 10 wickets. He also scored 72 on his Test debut.

Sri Lanka's playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis, Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando.

Sri Lanka looking to stay in hunt for World Test Championship (WTC) final

Sri Lanka are currently third in the current cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with four wins and as many losses in eight matches. Hence, a 2-0 series win over the Black Caps will keep them in contention to qualify for the decider at Lord's in June 2025.

The Kiwis had plenty of positives to chalk out from the opening Test as Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra played some excellent cricket. They will be hoping to build on it and level the series. A Test win in Galle will also keep New Zealand in good stead ahead of the India tour next month.

India and Australia are the top two sides in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, with both teams having played the final last year. Australia are the defending champions and have seven more Tests in this cycle before the final.