NZ vs SL Match Preview

It is the first game of a three-game T20i series, and both teams will look to take an early lead. New Zealand drew the previous T20 series versus Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and is now playing at home; the team will be optimistic. Sri Lanka has struggled outside of the subcontinent in the past few years, and this game will put the team to the test. Sri Lanka's record in New Zealand is poor. They have won only one of the eight T20 games over the hosts. In these conditions, the team lacks a strong bowling attack. New Zealand possesses a strong fast bowling unit, which they will look to use.

NZ vs SL Match Details

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 1st Match, T20I Match

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

Date & Time: 28th December 2024 at 11:45 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SL Venue Stats

Avg 1st inn score	167
Avg 2nd inn score	164
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 W L L
NZ ( New Zealand )	W L 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

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Mitchell Santner (c), Mitchell Hay (wk), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Tim Robinson, Zakary Foulkes

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Mitchell Hay –  Mitchell Hay, the wicketkeeper, adds consistency behind his stumps and punches in the lower order.
• Mitchell Santner – Mitchell Santner leads the team, and his sharp left-arm spin and calm management make him an invaluable asset. He has nearly 120 T20I wickets and slightly more than 700 T20I runs.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka – In his final T20I innings against New Zealand, he hit a half-century at just over a run per ball, leading the run-scoring charts with two centuries and a fifty in the last series.
• Matheesha Pathirana – Matheesha Pathirana'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(C), Charith Asalanka(VC), Wanindu Hasaranga, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

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

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

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Wanindu Hasaranga, Rachin Ravindra

Vice-captain – Mitchell Santner, Charith Asalanka

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

NZ vs SL Probable Winners:

Sri Lanka is struggling in New Zealand, and their batsmen will face difficult conditions. The onus is on the batting lineup to perform well on these fast and bouncy pitches. New Zealand is competing at home and has some good hitters in their lineup. New Zealand is going in with an advantage in this game. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.