NZ vs SL 1st ODI: The ODI leg of Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand begins at the iconic Basin Reserve in Wellington. With the Champions Trophy approaching, both teams will use this series to fine-tune their squads. New Zealand is coming off a 2-1 T20I series win, while Sri Lanka aims to build on their final T20I victory.

• Match: 1st ODI
• Venue: Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
• Date & Time: Sunday, 5th January, 03:30 IST
• Series: Sri Lanka in New Zealand, 3 ODI Series, 2025

Pitch Report

The Basin Reserve offers a balanced surface. Seamers enjoy early assistance, but batters can flourish once set. Spinners may find grip as the game progresses. Overcast conditions could influence the toss, making bowling first a tactical choice.

Pitch Stats

• Matches Played: 27
• Batting First Won: 15
• Batting Second Won: 12
• Average 1st Innings Score: 217
• Highest Score: 318/6 (New Zealand vs. Bangladesh)
• Lowest Score: 74/10 (New Zealand vs. Pakistan)

Scoring Pattern

• Below 200: 9 matches
• 200-249: 10 matches
• 250-299: 7 matches
• Above 300: 1 match

Head-to-Head

• Matches Played: 106
• New Zealand Wins: 52
• Sri Lanka Wins: 43
• Ties: 1
• No Result: 10

Last 5 Meetings

1. No Result (19-Nov-2024)
2. Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets (DLS) (17-Nov-2024)
3. Sri Lanka won by 45 runs (DLS) (13-Nov-2024)
4. New Zealand won by 5 wickets (09-Nov-2023)
5. New Zealand won by 6 wickets (31-Mar-2023)

NZ vs SL 1st ODI Team News

New Zealand:
Mitchell Santner leads the Kiwis for the first time as full-time ODI captain. The squad features a mix of experienced players like Tom Latham and emerging stars like Will O’Rourke. With senior players absent due to franchise commitments, this is a chance for others to shine.

Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka retains a similar batting lineup from the T20I series. The bowling unit sees reinforcements with Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara joining the pace attack. Spin remains their strength, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.

Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand:
Tom Latham (wk), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke.

Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Eshan Malinga.

Key Players and Stats

New Zealand

• Mitchell Santner (C): 91 ODIs | 107 wickets | Econ: 4.81 | Best: 5/50
• Will Young: 21 ODIs | 770 runs | Avg: 40.53 | SR: 87.89 | 2 centuries
• Daryl Mitchell: 29 ODIs | 879 runs | Avg: 37.90 | SR: 90.12 | 1 century
• Matt Henry: 68 ODIs | 130 wickets | Avg: 25.80 | Econ: 5.22 | Best: 7/39

Sri Lanka

• Kusal Mendis: 96 ODIs | 2943 runs | Avg: 31.63 | SR: 84.20 | 2 centuries
• Wanindu Hasaranga: 44 ODIs | 39 wickets | Econ: 5.01 | Best: 5/27
• Pathum Nissanka: 31 ODIs | 1135 runs | Avg: 41.32 | SR: 82.59 | 3 centuries
• Maheesh Theekshana: 29 ODIs | 37 wickets | Econ: 4.50 | Best: 4/37

NZ vs SL 1st ODI Fantasy XI

1. Kusal Mendis (C)
2. Daryl Mitchell (VC)
3. Will Young
4. Charith Asalanka
5. Glenn Phillips
6. Wanindu Hasaranga
7. Rachin Ravindra
8. Michael Bracewell
9. Lahiru Kumara
10. Jacob Duffy
11. Matt Henry

Prediction

New Zealand’s depth and home advantage make them slight favorites, but Sri Lanka’s improved recent form and balanced squad promise a competitive contest. Expect a thrilling opener at the Basin Reserve!

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