21.   New Zealand recalled its players from the country in September and cancelled their three match series in Pakistan last year.

22.   New Zealand cancelled its three match series in Pakistan last year.

23.   Sri Lanka go into the opening game of this three match series without key spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, out because of a shoulder injury.

24.   The first game of the three match series had been scheduled for Saturday but was postponed by rain.