Sri Lanka have already lost the three-match T20I series, having lost the first and second match of the series by five and four wickets respectively.
New Zealand overcame a shaky start to beat Sri Lanka in the first T20I on Sunday night to take 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Kusal Mendis hit a quickfire 79 to help Sri Lanka post 174 for four in the first Twenty20 international against New Zealand
Sri Lanka have left out some big names – Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera. Dhananjaya de Silva and Suranga Lakmal – from the squad which will be led by Malinga.
Dimuth Karunaratne helped Sri Lanka reach 71 for one at tea after rain delayed the start of the second Test against New Zealand.
Dinesh Chandimal has been recalled for the series apart from spinners Akila Dananjaya and Dilruwan Perera.
Former captain Angelo Mathews led Sri Lanka with 87 off 90 balls, guiding the side to 294-8.
Mathews top-scored with 87 off 90 balls while Mendis added 54 off 58 balls after skipper Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and elected to bat.
Sri Lanka took 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh.
Shafiul Islam, who was playing his first match in three years, finished with 3/62.