WTC 2023: NZ vs SL 1st Test Match Prediction- Who Will Win the Test Match Between New Zealand and Sri Lanka?

Sanjay Sanapoori | March 8, 2023 | 3:47 pm

After one of the best Test matches ever, New Zealand gear up for what is the last set of Tests before the WTC Finals. New Zealand, previous champions are far from in, and only have their pride to play for. Sri Lanka though are still in with a chance. This late in, they are still in with an opportunity to make the Finals, indicating that they have played some really good Cricket over the past two years. The requirement to qualify though looks close to impossible. For Sri Lanka to stand a chance of making the Finals they will have to win both Tests against New Zealand.

Match Details

Date: March 9th 2023

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Christchurch

NZ vs SL Weather Report

The Weather at Christchurch is pretty good for the upcoming game.

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

A green track with a lot of swing is expected as is the normal standard in New Zealand.

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head

Played- 36| New Zealand-16 | Sri Lanka- 9 | Draw- 11

NZ vs SL Predicted Playing XI

New Zealand Playing XI

Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Chamika Karunaratne, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Ashita Fernando

NZ vs SL Key Players

Neil Wagner

Neil Wagner returned to his best, trusting his instinct as his daring and tough character helped New Zealand win a thriller against England.

On his Test captaincy debut, Temba Bavuma achieved a rare feat of getting a pair. He failed to score in both innings. Test Cricket is a format he is pretty good at, and given that he was possibly their best batter in Australia, South Africa will be banking on him to come good.

Angelo Matthews

The last time Angelo Matthews went out to bat in New Zealand he managed to bat out an entire day with Kusal Mendis. He is very experienced, knows the New Zealand conditions well and has been in good touch too of late with the bat, which will play a vital role in the upcoming series.

NZ vs SL Match Tips

Sri Lanka has a lot to play for in the upcoming test. However, New Zealand remain a really good team in their own conditions and they should be favorites to win the upcoming Test.