New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction – Who will win today’s 1st T20I match between NZ vs SL?
MATCH: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
DATE: December 28, Saturday
TIME: 11:45 AM IST
VENUE: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
TOURNAMENT: 1st T20I 2024
New Zealand (NZ) and Sri Lanka (SL) are all set to lock horns in the first T20I of the three-game T20I series, at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, on Saturday, December 28.
In Sri Lanka’s last T20I series at home, they shared the series 1-1 against the Kiwis. Both the teams looked in good shape when they played each other in November. With the BlackCaps now hosting the Lankan Lions, the Mitchell Santner-led side will look to make good use of their conditions.
Bay Oval Pitch Report
The Bay Oval surface at Mount Maunganui favours batters. Initially, the ball tends to swing, helping fast bowlers to pick early wickets. However, as the match progresses, batting becomes more manageable on this track. Spinners might find the going tough during the first innings, but the pitch substantially assists them during the second innings. The team that wins the toss will look to bat first.
Probable Predicted 11 for NZ vs SL:
New Zealand:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips (WK), Bevon Jacobs, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara
Probable Top Performers from NZ vs SL
Probable Best Batter: Pathum Nissanka
Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka could be the best batter in the upcoming game against New Zealand. Nissanka in the last T20I series against the same opponents at home was the highest run-scorer of the series. In two games, he scored 71 runs at an average of 35.50. The 26-year-old will be looking to play the same brand of cricket in the coming series.
Probable Best Bowler: Matt Henry
New Zealand’s veteran pacer Matt Henry could be the best bowler in the upcoming clash against Sri Lanka. The speedster is the most experienced pacer in the side, and he will look to make that of good use. Henry, who bowls at good pace and can attract extra bounce and some movement initially, could affect the visiting batting line-up.