Lockie Ferguson will return to New Zealand after sustaining a calf injury during New Zealand's T20I win over Sri Lanka in Dambulla. The 33-year-old fast bowler, who recently recovered from a hamstring injury, played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s victory, including a hat-trick that helped defend a low total of 108 and level the series.

An NZC statement reported Ferguson felt discomfort while bowling his second over and had to exit the field. Though unable to continue in that game, he earned the Player-of-the-Match award. Ferguson has been ruled out of the ODI series, starting November 13, and will undergo scans in New Zealand to assess the injury. Adam Milne will replace him, arriving in Dambulla on Tuesday. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment, acknowledging Ferguson’s impact and leadership, saying, "He’ll be a big miss... but we're hopeful his recovery will be short."