New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: The action-packed Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand kicks off with the first T20I of the three-match series at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. As the two teams prepare for an exciting clash on Saturday, December 28th, 2024, we can expect thrilling cricket as New Zealand hosts Sri Lanka in what promises to be a high-energy contest. With both teams aiming to get an early advantage, this game will set the tone for the rest of the series. Let’s dive into the details and preview this highly anticipated matchup.
Match Details:
- Match: 1st T20I, Sri Lanka in New Zealand, 3 T20I Series, 2024/25
- Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
- Date: Saturday, 28th December 2024
- Time: 11:45 AM IST
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Pitch Report
The Bay Oval is a high-scoring venue with an average first-innings score of 189. Spinners thrive under lights with their better economy rate compared to pacers. Winning the toss and batting first could prove advantageous, given the ground’s history of big scores and the difficulty of chasing under lights.
Pitch Stats
- Matches Played: 9
- Batting First Wins: 8
- Batting Second Wins: 1
- Highest Score: 243/5 (New Zealand)
- Lowest Score: 110/10 (Bangladesh)
- Average 1st Innings Score: 189
Scoring Pattern:
- Below 150: 1 match
- 150-169: 1 match
- 170-189: 2 matches
- 190+: 5 matches
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head
- New Zealand Wins: 14
- Sri Lanka Wins: 9
- Tied: 1
- No Result: 1
- Win %: New Zealand (58.33%), Sri Lanka (37.5%)
Last 5 Meetings
- Nov 2024: NZ won by 5 runs
- Nov 2024: SL won by 4 wickets
- Apr 2023: NZ won by 4 wickets
- Apr 2023: NZ won by 9 wickets
- Apr 2023: Match tied (SL won Super Over)
Form Guide
New Zealand: L, W, W, L, W
Sri Lanka: L, W, W, W, L
Team News
New Zealand:
Mitchell Santner leads a balanced side with a solid batting lineup and a strong fast-bowling unit. Tim Robinson and Mark Chapman are expected to set the tone, while Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell bolster the middle order. Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry will be key in exploiting home conditions.
Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, faces a tough challenge in unfamiliar conditions. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are crucial at the top, while Wanindu Hasaranga anchors the all-round performance. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara need to deliver early strikes to keep New Zealand in check.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Playing XIs
New Zealand:
Mitchell Santner (c), Mark Chapman, Tim Robinson, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Hay (wk), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, Zakary Foulkes
Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando
Key Players
- New Zealand:
- Mark Chapman: In fine form, capable of explosive starts.
- Mitchell Santner: Key with both bat and ball on a spinner-friendly surface.
- Sri Lanka:
- Pathum Nissanka: Consistent at the top with a healthy strike rate.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka’s ace all-rounder with wicket-taking ability.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Fantasy XI
- Pathum Nissanka (SL)
- Mark Chapman (NZ)
- Kusal Mendis (SL) (wk)
- Glenn Phillips (NZ)
- Daryl Mitchell (NZ) (c)
- Charith Asalanka (SL)
- Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) (vc)
- Mitchell Santner (NZ)
- Jacob Duffy (NZ)
- Matheesha Pathirana (SL)
- Maheesh Theekshana (SL)
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Prediction
New Zealand enters as clear favorites with their strong record at Bay Oval and superior bowling lineup. Sri Lanka must overcome their struggles in New Zealand to stand a chance. Expect a closely fought contest with New Zealand edging ahead to take a 1-0 series lead.
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