New Zealand vs Sri Lanka,1st ODI,Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, 2024-25,2025-01-04 22:00 GMT

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Match Preview

Date: 2025-01-04

Time: 22:00 GMT

Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington

The first ODI match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is set to take place at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The Blackcaps, led by newly appointed whiteball skipper Mitchell Santner, will be looking to start their home series on a winning note after losing a three-match ODI series by 0-2 against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka back in November 2024.

Pitch Report

The Basin Reserve in Wellington is expected to provide a spin-friendly pitch, with the average score being 280+ in the second inning. The pitch is likely to favor the team batting second, with spinners getting more support in the latter part of the match.

Team News and Playing 11

New Zealand:

The Blackcaps are expected to field a strong team, with Will Young and Rachin Ravindra opening the innings. The middle order will consist of Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, and Mitchell Hay (WK). Mitchell Santner (C) and Michael Bracewell will provide all-round support, while Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Will O'Rourke will lead the pace attack.

Sri Lanka:

The Islanders will be led by Charith Asalanka, with Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando opening the innings. The middle order will consist of Kusal Mendis, Nishan Madushka, and Charith Asalanka. Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Charith Asalanka will provide all-round support, while Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, and Asitha Fernando will lead the pace attack.

Key Players

New Zealand:

• Daryl Mitchell
• Glenn Phillips
• Tom Latham
• Willian O Rourke
• Mitchell Santner
• Matt Henry
• Jacob Duffy

Sri Lanka:

• Kusal Mendis
• Avishka Fernando
• Pathum Nissanka
• Maheesh Theekshana
• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Charith Asalanka

Best Performing Bowlers and Batsmen

The best performing bowlers for this match are expected to be Wanindu Hasaranga, Mitchell Santner, Lahiru Kumara, Matt Henry, and Jacob Duffy. The best performing batsmen are expected to be Pathum Nissanka, Rachin Ravindra, Avishka Fernando, Glenn Phillips, and Kusal Mendis.

Man of the Match

The man of the match is expected to be one of the top performers, with Pathum Nissanka, Rachin Ravindra, Kusal Perera, Daryl Mitchell, and Kusal Mendis being strong contenders.

Dream11 Team

A suggested Dream11 team could include Kusal Mendis and Tom Latham as wicketkeepers, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Kamindu Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka as batsmen, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mitchell Santner, Charitha Asalanka, and Michael Bracewell as all-rounders, and Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Maheesh Theekshana, and Lahiru Kumara as bowlers.

Prediction

The match is expected to be a closely contested one, with both teams having a strong chance of winning. However, the home advantage and the strong team composition of New Zealand might give them a slight edge over Sri Lanka. The predicted winner of the match is New Zealand.