After the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia will play two Test matches and two ODI matches against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on 29th January.

Initially, only a two-Test series was proposed, but Sri Lanka has now offered two additional ODI matches against the Australian Cricket Team as part of their Champions Trophy preparation.

Where to watch

Australia vs Sri Lanka will stream on Seven Network for free in Australia.

Seven Network used to stream all home tests, women’s internationals, Ashes tour, and the Big Bash League. 

Now, they have got the live-streaming right just 10 days before starting the series. 

How to watch In India

Other than Seven Network, cricket fans globally can watch the series on Fancode.

As per Indian Standard Time, the first and second matches will start at 10:00 AM, while the last match will begin at 9:00 AM.

Both the Test and ODI matches will be streamed on FanCode for cricket fans globally. Fans need to subscribe to FanCode, either with a monthly subscription or a series-based subscription for each match.

Also Read: Sanjiv Goenka: Rishabh Pant as IPL’s Next Great Captain

Squad Update of Australia and Sri Lanka 

Australia:

Steve Smith (C), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka is yet to announce their squad for the series.

The Schedule

First Test: 29 January – 2 February, Galle

Second Test: 6 – 10 February, Galle

First ODI: 12 February, Colombo

Second ODI: 14 February, Colombo

Sri Lanka ended their nine-year-long wait to secure their first ODI win against New Zealand in New Zealand after securing a thrashing 140-run victory in the series-ending game at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

It was the third game of the three-match ODI series between the hosts New Zealand and the visitors Sri Lanka, where the Blackcaps already secured the home ODI series by winning the first two matches. 

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Indian squad announcement likely to be delayed

Sri Lanka scored 290/8 with the help of three half-centuries

Sri Lanka chose to bat first after winning the toss in the Auckland ODI. After Sri Lanka recorded their highest first innings ODI total in New Zealand with 290/8, New Zealand were bowled out for only 150 runs.

Lankan openers Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando set up a fine start with a 66-run opening partnership before Nissanka retired hurt due to his groin/hip area injury after scoring 50 off 31 balls.

Soon, Fernando was dismissed for 17 runs. However, the next two batters Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis set up an 87-run partnership for the second wicket. Kusal scored 54 off 48 balls while the skipper Charith Asalanka scored another duck. Kamindu also lost his wicket after scoring 46 off 71 balls, after which Nissanka returned with the bat. However, the Sri Lankan opener was still struggling to run and was majorly dealing with boundaries.

Nissanka scored 66 off 42 balls with the help of six fours and five sixes before Mitchell Santner dismissed him. 

In the slog overs, Janith Liyanage batted strongly and scored 53 off 52 balls to guide the Sri Lankan total to 290 runs.

Among the New Zealand bowlers, Matt Henry bagged four wickets (4/55) and Mitchell Santner picked up two wickets (2/55). 

Asitha Fernando's brutal start denied Mark Chapman's fighting knock

In reply, New Zealand lost the first five wickets only for 21 runs, where Asitha Fernando bagged three wickets. Only Mark Chapman managed to reply strongly while the late batters brought few supports without reaching the 20-run mark. 

Chapman was the last batter to be dismissed as Maheesh Theekshana bowled Chapman for 81 off 81 balls (10 fours and one six).

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Asitha Fernando (3/26), Maheesh Theekshana (3/35), and Eshan Malinga (3/35) picked up three wickets each. 

While Sri Lanka won the ODI by 140 runs, it was their second-largest ODI win (by runs) against New Zealand. Lanka’s previous ODI win against the hosts New Zealand was in December 2015 when they claimed an eight-wicket victory in the Nelson ODI.

Asitha Fernando won the Player of the Match award while the Blackcaps' fast bowler Matt Henry won the Player of the Series award for taking nine wickets in the ODI series. 

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.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the 17-member men’s squad for the upcoming three-match away ODI series against the hosts New Zealand. New IPL joinee Eshan Malinga has earned the national team call-up for the forthcoming ODI series. 

Sri Lanka are ready for the white-ball series against the hosts New Zealand. After the three-match T20I series, which will run between December 28, 2024, and January 2, 2025, they will battle in the three-match ODI series. Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland will host the ODIs on January 5, 8, and 11, respectively.

See Also: Who is new Indian Test call-up Tanush Kotian?

Eshan Malinga earned national team call-up

The 23-year-old Sri Lankan right-arm fast-medium bowler Eshan Malinga has earned his maiden national team call-up. Recently, he was in the news after SunRisers Hyderabad bought him for INR 1.20 crore for IPL 2025. 

Eshan has taken 20 wickets in 12 List A games and 13 wickets in 13 T20s. Also, he has picked up 39 wickets in 16 first-class cricket. In the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024-25 last October, the fast bowler took six wickets in five matches. 

Dilshan Madushanka dropped, Lahiru Kumara and Wanindu Hasaranga returned

The 24-year-old left-arm Dilshan Madushanka has been dropped from the ODI squad. While he was the third-leading wicket-taker in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India with 21 wickets, he picked up 14 wickets in 11 ODIs in 2024. 

While Lahiru Kumara has returned to the ODI format, Nuwanidu Fernando joined the Lankan ODI squad at the cost of Sadeera Samarawickrama’s drop. All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has returned to the ODI squad after recovering from injury.

Sri Lanka aren’t in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, it will be a good preparation for the hosts New Zealand, who will also participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting in February 2025.

Sri Lankan full ODI squad for New Zealand tour

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga