NZ vs SL Match Preview

New Zealand, fresh off a 2-1 T20I series victory over Sri Lanka, is ready to focus on the ODI series, which begins this Sunday. This series gives the home team a valuable opportunity to prepare for the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled for February. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, which is not going to compete in that tournament, will provide an opportunity to restructure its team for the upcoming World Cup to improve on the potential it demonstrated last year.

NZ vs SL Match Details

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 1st Match, ODI Match

Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington

Date & Time: 05th January 2025 at 03:30 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SL Venue Stats

Avg 1st inn score	267
Avg 2nd inn score	264
Win% batting 1st	57
Win% batting 2nd	43

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

Fast bowlers will thrive at this pitch due to the green patch. They get a ball to seam and swing across this surface. However, the venue's smaller dimensions make it easier for batsmen to play their strokes.

NZ vs SL Weather Report

The weather forecast calls for cloudy skies for the day, with rain chances as well.

NZ vs SL Last Five Matches

SL ( Sri Lanka )	L L L W L
NZ ( New Zealand )	W W L L L

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

	Matches Played	NZ Won	SL Won	Tie	NR
Overall	25	18	7	0	0
Last 5	5	4	1	0	0

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Virat Kohli fined with a demerit point for Boxing Day incident with Aussie Test debutant

NZ vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Janith Liyanage

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Will Young, Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Hay (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith/ Michael Bracewell

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Will Young –  Will Young, who led the run charts during the previous ODI series versus Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, is a key player to watch.
• Jacob Duffy – Jacob Duffy, who took eight wickets in the two-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, is expected to get a shot in the current match to continue his impressive form.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Charith Asalanka – Skipper Charith Asalanka provides a consistent presence in the middle of the order and can contribute with his spin.
• Lahiru Kumara – Lahiru Kumara's speed and distinctive action make them a threat to New Zealand batters. In his last nine games, the right-arm quick has taken 17 T20I wickets.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Charith Asalanka(C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Daryl Mitchell(VC), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka(VC), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra(C), Mark Chapman, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Charith Asalanka, Rachin Ravindra

Vice-captain – Daryl Mitchell, Pathum Nissanka

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

NZ vs SL Probable Winners:

Sri Lanka has recently had a successful run in one-day internationals, winning 3 consecutive series at home. However, the challenges they will face in New Zealand will be quite different, as adapting to different pitches and climates will be critical to their success. While New Zealand's ODI record has not been perfect, recent home series victories ought to provide them with the momentum to continue their progress. Given typical conditions, the Kiwis have a strong advantage. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.