New Zealand became the first team to announce the full squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced a 15-member squad for the tournament on Sunday (January 12). 

New Zealand is set for the Pakistan tour, which will include an ODI tri-series against the hosts Pakistan and South Africa before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The single round-robin ODI tri-series will begin on February 8, with the tournament Final date of February 14. Before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand will also play a warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi.

New Zealand are in Group A of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, along with Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. 

While the NZC has announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the same squad will be available for the ODI tri-series. The squad was announced at a special event at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland.

See Also: New vice-captain of team India: Hero of T20 World Cup Final

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand squad - Kane Williamson and Lockie Ferguson return with one stand-by name

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and the 33-year-old New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson have returned to the ODI squad, who last played in November 2023 during the Semi-final against the hosts India in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Mitchell Santner will continue his leadership role in the ODI format.

Fast bowler Matt Henry, who just won the Player of the Series award in the home ODI series against Sri Lanka, will play an important role in the pace-bowling unit along with Ferguson. 

However, if Ferguson remains unavailable for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to his ILT20 play-off commitments, the stand-by player for the tournament, Jacob Duffy will replace him. 

Well depth in every aspect

The pace trio, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Nathan Smith, are set to experience their first senior ICC tournament. Sears was previously in the traveling reserve for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and United States.

Apart from Williamson, the batting unit has the experiences of Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Will Young, while Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Mark Chapman will bring the powerful batting depth option.

Captain Mitchell Santner has the spin-bowling support of Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.

Among the 15 members, only Kane Williamson (2013 and 2017), Tom Latham (2017), and Mitchell Santner (2017) previously experienced the ICC Champions Trophy. 

New Zealand won the ICC Champions Trophy 2000, which was the second edition of the tournament (ICC KnockOut Trophy), under the leadership of Stephen Fleming. 

New Zealand’s 15-member full squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (also for the ODI tri-series in Pakistan)

Mitchell Santner (Captain), Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (wk), Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, Nathan Smith.

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to return as Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates will host the ninth edition of the tournament in 2025. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will run between February 19 and March 9. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Eight teams will participate

Eight teams will participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These teams are Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan, and England. While the first four teams are in Group A, the other four teams are in Group B. Pakistan are the hosts and defending champions of the tournament. 

At the end of the Group Stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the Semi-finals of the tournament. On March 9, the two Semi-finals winners will face each other in the Final.

Here we are checking the probable complete squads for each ICC Champions Trophy 2025 team.

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Complete Fixtures Announced

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Probable squads

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & wk), Fakhar Zaman/Irfan Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi

India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube/Harshit Rana/Khaleel Ahmed

New Zealand: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Will Young, Mitchell Hay (wk), Mark Chapman, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (Captain), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Lockie Ferguson

Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Towhid Hridoy, Tamim Iqbal/Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das (wk), Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan/Jaker Ali (wk), Mushfiqur Rahman (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam.

Australia: Steve Smith (Captain), Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Sean Abbott, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Jhye Richardson, Spencer Johnson, Cooper Connolly

Sri Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Nishan Madushka (wk), Charith Asalanka (Captain), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Kamindu Mendis, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz/Matheesha Pathirana, Dunith Wellalage

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fareed Ahmad, Ikram Alikhil, Naveed Zadran.

England: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (Captain & wk), Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood

NZ vs SL Match Preview

New Zealand will face Sri Lanka in the third ODI of the Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, which will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on January 11, 2025, at 6:30 AM IST. Sri Lanka is on tour in New Zealand, where they will play three T20Is and three one-day internationals. New Zealand won the T20I series of 2-1, and they now lead the series 2-0 against Sri Lanka with one match remaining. Sri Lanka lost both ODIs against New Zealand by large margins. It's difficult to defeat New Zealand in New Zealand.

NZ vs SL Match Details

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 3rd Match, ODI Match

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Date & Time: 11th January 2025 at 06:30 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SL Venue Stats

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

Bowling conditions were ideal in the first innings. Both teams' seamers should be able to take advantage of bowling conditions that favour seam movement off the surface.

NZ vs SL Weather Report

There is a 10% chance of rain on matchday. You can expect some cloud cover from above. Auckland's temperatures will be warm and humid.

NZ vs SL Last Five Matches

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

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

Also Read: Nitish Kumar Reddy Honored with Hero's Welcome in Visakhapatnam After Stunning Heroics in Australia

NZ vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, William ORourke

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Rachin Ravindra –  Rachin Ravindra went on to make 79 off 63 balls helping NZ seal 2nd ODI and making it 2-0 in favour of NZ.
• Matt Henry – Matt Henry took 4 wickets for just 19 runs, and will be one of the most potent seam bowlers in the world with conditions like these.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Kamindu Mendis – Kamindu Mendis scored valuable 64 runs to arrest the slide but Sri Lanka eventually lost by 113 runs.
• Mahesh Theekshana – Mahesh Theekshana did pull things back with some lower order wickets. He ended up getting 4 wickets for 44 runs in 8 overs.

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

Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Will Young(VC), Rachin Ravindra, Wanindu Hasaranga(C), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando

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

Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra(C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Mitchell Santner(VC), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Rachin Ravindra, Wanindu Hasaranga

Vice-captain – Will Young, Mitchell Santner

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

NZ vs SL Probable Winners:

New Zealand leads the series 2-0 against Sri Lanka at home. They rarely lose ODIs at home. They have only lost one in the past five years. Their head-to-head history against Sri Lanka is impressive. With their history and current form, we believe New Zealand has a lead over Sri Lanka in this third ODI, which they will win to sweep the opponents at home. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.

NZ vs SL Match Preview

After winning the first ODI very comfortably by 9 wickets, New Zealand will be looking to dominate this game as well with the same gameplay. The focus is now on the longer white-ball format, in which these teams ought to be evenly matched. There are similar lineups for both formats, with more close matches throughout the ODI series.

NZ vs SL Match Details

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 2nd Match, ODI Match

Venue: Seddon Park - Hamilton

Date & Time: 08th January 2025 at 03:30 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SL Venue Stats

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

Bowling conditions were ideal in the first innings. Both teams' seamers should be able to take advantage of bowling conditions that favour seam movement off the surface.

NZ vs SL Weather Report

There is a 10% chance of rain on matchday. You can expect some cloud cover from above. Hamilton's temperatures will be warm and humid.

NZ vs SL Last Five Matches

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

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

Also Read: South Africa vs Pakistan:South Africa Clinches Dominant 10-Wicket Victory Over Pakistan

NZ vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay(w), Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, William O'Rourke

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Will Young –  Young went on to make an unbeaten 90 runs off 86 balls helping NZ seal first ODI in just 27th over.
• Matt Henry – Matt Henry is one of the most potent seam bowlers in the world with conditions like these.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Avishka Fernando – Opener Avishka Fernando scored 56 off 63 balls and tried to take to a decent score for at least putting up a fight.
• Wanindu Hasaranga – Although Wanindu Hasaranga went wicketless last match, but still managed to bowl tighter lengths.

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:

When the hosts faced the Sri Lankans in Wellington, they won convincingly. With a full understanding of how to perform in New Zealand, the Black Caps are going to be firm favorites to win the next ODI. Sri Lanka is a strong team that will be able to recover. The visitors' batting will require significant improvement to challenge the New Zealanders. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.

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

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

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

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.

Kusal Perera's Record-Breaking Century Shines in Consolation Victory

In a game where New Zealand had already clinched the series, Kusal Perera played very well in the final T20 match in Nelson with an amazing 101 runs off just 46 deliveries against New Zealand. The man was doing amazingly well, hitting 13 fours and 4 sixes, and he raced to his hundred in only 44 balls, which is the fastest ever by a Sri Lankan in T20s.

Thanks to Perera, Sri Lanka achieved a strikingly large score of 218/5. Charith Asalanka, the team leader, also played a vitally important role and scored a quick 46 from 24 balls, which included hitting the ball very far five times. Perera's amazing play wasn't simply about the runs  it showed that Sri Lanka wasn't giving up without a fight.

Perera was very fortunate he didn't get out two times, first when he had only 15 runs and later when he hit 60. Despite those close calls, he kept going and ended up playing a very special game in T20 for Sri Lanka. He teamed up with Avishka Fernando for a wonderful 41 runs and then went on to add over a hundred runs with Asalanka, helping their team post a solid score.

However, just before the match was about to end, in the second-last over, Perera's time at the crease was cut short when Rachin Ravindra caught him out from Daryl Mitchell's delivery.

🚨 FIRST CENTURION OF 2025. 🚨

- Kusal Perera smashed 101 (46) with 13 fours and 4 sixes Vs New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/xKIFN9MdHy

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 2, 2025

Sri Lanka's Sparkling Start and New Zealand's Fielding Brilliance

In the game, Sri Lanka decided to be the first to bat, which was a first for them in the series. They began very well, getting 24 in just the first three overs. Then, something spectacular happened. Mitchell Hay pulled off an amazing play in the field. Hay ran after a ball that flew high towards the edge, jumped to catch it, threw it in play before he went out of bounds, and then caught it again.

Because of Hay's amazing catch, Pathum Nissanka had to leave the game with only 14 runs.

Perera dominated, making it utterly hard or difficult for New Zealand to catch up. Even though Kusal Mendis got out quickly after scoring 22 in 16 balls because Michael Bracewell caught him very nicely off Mitch Santner's play, it didn't throw off Sri Lanka. They remained calm, mostly thanks to Perera's amazing performance.

This win was a morale booster for Sri Lanka, showcasing their potential and resilience, even in the face of a lost series.

ALSO READ:Rohit's Place or Gill's Form: India’s Tough Call for Sydney Test

NZ vs SL Match Preview

New Zealand will face Sri Lanka in the third T20I of the three-match series on January 2, 2024, at 5:45 a.m. IST, at Saxton Oval in Nelson. Sri Lanka is on a tour of New Zealand, where they will play three ODIs and three T20 internationals. The tour began with a series of T20Is, followed by three ODIs. New Zealand has an unassailable 2-0 lead over Sri Lanka after winning the first two T20 internationals of the three-match series. New Zealand won both games convincingly, batting first against Sri Lanka.

NZ vs SL Match Details

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 3rd Match, T20I Match

Venue: Saxton Oval Nelson Cricket Ground, Nelson

Date & Time: 02nd January 2025 at 05:45 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SL Venue Stats

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

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

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, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

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

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(VC), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Wanindu Hasaranga, Rachin Ravindra

Vice-captain – Daryl Mitchell, 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.

NZ vs SL Match Preview

The first T20I of this series was fascinating, with Sri Lanka appearing to be cruising toward their target of 173 when they were 121 without loss halfway through the 14th over. However, Jacob Duffy had other plans, dismissing Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Kamindu Mendis in the space of four deliveries to shift the momentum in New Zealand's favor. Sri Lanka were ultimately unable to turn the tide following that triple-strike, and the hosts won by eight runs in Mount Maunganui.

NZ vs SL Match Details

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 2nd Match, T20I Match

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

Date & Time: 30th December 2024 at 11:45 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SL Venue Stats

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

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

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.

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

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

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

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.

New Zealand legendary pacer Tim Southee retired from Test cricket with New Zealand’s joint record-margin win in Test cricket. Hosts New Zealand set a massive target of 658 runs for England in the Hamilton Test. It was the 11th-highest fourth innings target set in Test cricket history (the third largest in the 21st century). Visitors England were all out for 234 runs in the fourth innings as the hosts won by a massive 423 runs. 

Three batters managed to reach the 20-run mark

England started the fourth day of the Hamilton Test at 18/2, as the visitors lost both their openers last evening. Jacob Bethell and the former English skipper Joe Root had a partnership of 104 runs for the third wicket. Once that partnership was broken with Joe Root’s dismissal for 54 off 64 balls (10 fours), the visitors lost their wickets at regular intervals. 

The no.1 Test-ranked batter Harry Brook was dismissed for one run, and Bethell lost his wicket soon after scoring 76 off 96 balls with the help of 13 fours and one six. 

In the next batting orders, only the no.7 batter Gus Atkinson reached the 20-run mark as he scored 43 off 41 balls with the help of seven fours and one six. Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse managed to score 17 and 11 runs, respectively. Captain Ben Stokes didn’t come to bat due to a hamstring injury. 

The left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner picked up four wickets as he had bowling figures of 14.2-1-85-4.

Matt Henry got two wickets for 62 runs, while Southee picked up two wickets for 34 runs in his last Test innings. On the last day of his Test career, the right-arm pacer dismissed the highest run-scorer in the innings, Jacob Bethell. Also, Will O’Rourke claimed a wicket (1/37).

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Tim Southee took 391 Test wickets

Tim Southee retires from Test cricket after picking up 391 wickets in 107 Tests. He ended his Test career with 98 sixes, the joint fourth most sixes in Test cricket history. 

Earlier, in the Test match, New Zealand scored 347 runs in the first innings after Mitchell Santner scored 76 and captain Tom Latham scored 63 runs. In reply, England were bundled out for only 143 runs. 

In their second innings of the match, the Blackcaps scored 453 runs and set up the fourth innings target of 658 runs, after Kane Williamson scored 156, opener Will Young and middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell both scored 60 runs. 

Mitchell Santner won the Player of the Match award

Mitchell Santner won the Player of the Match award for his all-round performances. After scoring 76 runs, the left-arm spinner picked up three wickets for just seven runs. Later, the left-handed batter scored 49 more runs in the second innings and claimed a four-wicket haul for 85 runs. 

New Zealand won the Test match by 423 runs. It was their joint largest Test win by runs, as they previously won by 423 runs against Sri Lanka in the 2018 Christchurch Test. It was the joint 10th-largest Test victory (by runs). 

England won the first two Tests of the three-match Test series by eight wickets at Christchurch and 323 runs at Wellington. With this Hamilton Test win, the series ended with 2-1 in the favour of the visitors.