Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: Sri Lanka and New Zealand are set to face off in an exciting ODI clash at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium as part of New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka. This day-night encounter promises competitive action between these two skilled teams, both aiming to assert dominance in the ODI format.

Match Details

• Date: 13 November 2024
• Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
• Time: 2:00 PM local time (Day-night match)

Pitch Report

The pitch at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium generally favors bowlers but can support batsmen if they settle in. Historically, pace bowlers tend to find more assistance than spinners, making it critical for teams to balance their lineups accordingly.

• Average 1st Innings Score: 235
• 2nd Innings Average Score: 196
• Highest Successful Chase: 225/9 (SL U19 vs BD U19, 2021)

A team batting first will likely aim for a 250+ score, while the bowlers, especially pacers, are expected to be impactful on this pitch.

Head-to-Head Record

New Zealand holds a strong advantage over Sri Lanka in ODIs, having won 52 of their 102 encounters.

Sri Lanka wins: 41

New Zealand wins: 52

No Result: 8

Last 5 Meetings

1. 09 Nov 2023 – New Zealand won by 5 wickets
2. 31 Mar 2023 – New Zealand won by 6 wickets
3. 28 Mar 2023 – Match abandoned (no play)
4. 25 Mar 2023 – New Zealand won by 198 runs
5. 01 Jun 2019 – New Zealand won by 10 wickets

Form Guide

• Sri Lanka: W, W, W, W, L, L
• New Zealand: W, L, W, W, L

Sri Lanka comes into this game with a stronger recent record, while New Zealand aims to bounce back after a few inconsistent results.

Key Players

Batters to Watch:

• Pathum Nissanka (SL): 426 runs in 8 matches, Avg 53.25, SR 94.03
• Charith Asalanka (SL): 347 runs in 10 matches, Avg 43.38, SR 86.96
• Will Young (NZ): 356 runs in 7 matches, Avg 50.86, SR 92.22
• Glenn Phillips (NZ): 265 runs in 7 matches, Avg 44.17, SR 110.41

Bowlers to Watch:

• Wanindu Hasaranga (SL): 15 wickets in 7 matches, Econ 5.72
• Dunith Wellalage (SL): 9 wickets in 8 matches, Econ 4.7
• Mitchell Santner (NZ): 8 wickets in 7 matches, Econ 5.14
• Lockie Ferguson (NZ): 7 wickets in 5 matches, Econ 6.11

Squads

Sri Lanka ODI Squad: Charith Asalanka (captain), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Nishan Madushka (wk), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz

New Zealand ODI Squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wk), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young

SWOT Analysis: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand

Sri Lanka

Strengths

• Home Advantage: Sri Lanka is familiar with the conditions at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, giving them an edge. Their recent form, with four wins in their last six games, is also encouraging.
• In-Form Batting Core: Key batters such as Pathum Nissanka (426 runs at an average of 53.25) and Charith Asalanka (347 runs at 43.38) have been consistent. They provide stability in the top and middle orders.
• Effective Spin Attack: With Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage leading the spin department, Sri Lanka can take advantage of any spin-friendly conditions that may emerge as the match progresses. Hasaranga’s economy rate of 5.72 in recent games adds significant value.

Weaknesses

• Less Effective Pace Attack: Sri Lanka’s pace bowlers may struggle against New Zealand’s strong batting lineup, especially given that Dambulla slightly favors pace bowlers who can exploit movement and bounce.
• Inconsistent Lower Order: While Sri Lanka’s top and middle order have been reliable, their lower order has struggled to perform consistently, particularly in close chases.

Opportunities

• Exploiting New Zealand’s Spin Vulnerability: New Zealand batters can sometimes struggle against quality spin, giving Hasaranga and Wellalage a chance to make breakthroughs.
• Momentum from Recent Wins: With four wins in their last six games, Sri Lanka can capitalize on their current momentum to build early dominance in the match.

Threats

• New Zealand’s Historic Advantage: New Zealand holds the head-to-head edge with 52 wins to Sri Lanka’s 41, which could impact confidence levels.
• Pressure of Playing First: If they bat first, Sri Lanka will need a strong start to reach the challenging 250+ mark often required at this venue to avoid pressure when defending.

New Zealand

Strengths

• Balanced Squad: New Zealand’s squad is well-rounded with power hitters, experienced all-rounders, and a potent pace attack. The presence of Glenn Phillips (265 runs at an SR of 110.41) and Will Young (356 runs at an average of 50.86) in the lineup adds depth.
• Pace Attack Suited to Venue: The pace-friendly conditions at Dambulla are well-suited to bowlers like Lockie Ferguson, who can exploit bounce and movement to challenge Sri Lanka’s batsmen.
• Strong Head-to-Head Record: New Zealand’s record of 52 wins in 102 ODIs against Sri Lanka gives them a psychological edge and reflects their consistency in handling the opposition.

Weaknesses

• Vulnerability to Spin: New Zealand has shown weakness against quality spin bowling, which could be exploited by Hasaranga and Wellalage on a pitch that may offer some turn in the second innings.
• Recent Inconsistent Form: Although they have a balanced squad, New Zealand’s form has been inconsistent, as seen in their last six games, where they won three and lost two.

Opportunities

• Capitalizing on Sri Lanka’s Weaker Pace Options: New Zealand’s top order, with strong batters like Young and Phillips, can capitalize on Sri Lanka’s relatively inexperienced pace attack, especially in the early overs.
• Leveraging Pace-Friendly Conditions: By effectively utilizing Ferguson and Santner, New Zealand can exploit the conditions to keep Sri Lanka’s batsmen in check, especially with early strikes.

Threats

• Sri Lanka’s Spin Dominance: Sri Lanka’s skilled spin bowlers can disrupt New Zealand’s middle order, especially if they bowl second and the pitch deteriorates, making it more spin-friendly.
• Adapting to Variable Conditions: Given Dambulla’s history of unpredictable pitch behavior, New Zealand could face challenges if the pitch behaves differently than expected, especially in a day-night setting.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Prediction

Given New Zealand’s historical advantage and recent dominance in ODIs, they enter the game as slight favorites. However, Sri Lanka’s recent form and familiarity with home conditions could make this a tightly contested match. If Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly spinners, perform to their strengths, they could pose a challenge to the Kiwi lineup.

Prediction: New Zealand to win in a close game.

Where to Watch Sri Lanka vs New Zealand

• TV Broadcast (India): Sony Sports Ten 5, Sony Sports Ten 5 HD
• Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website, FanCode app and website

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