With the conclusion of the T20I series, where the New Zealand triumphed 2-1, attention now shifts to the ODI series of Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand 2024-25.
In the ODI format, Blackcaps currently hold the 5th spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, while Sri Lanka are close behind in 6th. This promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle between two competitive sides.
Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, 1st ODI:
- Date and time: January 4; 10:00 pm GMT/ 11:00 am local/ 3:30 am IST (January 5)
- Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington
Basin Reserve Pitch Report
The pitch at the Basin Reserve in Wellington promises an engaging battle between bat and ball. With a greenish tint and a healthy grass covering, the surface is expected to provide early movement and pace, offering significant assistance to fast bowlers in the initial stages. While batting might be challenging early on, the pitch is likely to stabilize, making run-scoring easier as the match progresses.
Teams winning the toss are likely to choose bowling first to capitalize on the early conditions. However, batting first can also yield substantial totals if the initial hurdles are navigated successfully. Spinners are unlikely to receive much help from the surface and will need to rely on skillful variations to make an impact.
NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction Picks:
- Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis
- Batters: Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Pathum Nissanka
- All-rounders: Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Wanindu Hasaranga, Charith Asalanka
- Bowlers: Matt Henry, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana
NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:
Choice 1: Mitchell Santner (c), Charith Asalanka (vc)
Choice 2: Daryl Mitchell (c), Wanindu Hasaranga (vc)
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Kusal Perera’s brilliant ton seals victory for Sri Lanka in the thrilling final T20I against New Zealand
NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction Backups:
Michael Bracewell, Tom Latham, Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis
NZ vs SL Dream11 Team for today’s match (January 4, 10:00 pm GMT):
Squads:
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, William ORourke, Mitchell Hay, Nathan Smith
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka (wk), Avishka Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Mohamed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga
Also READ: Sri Lanka players who scored a century in the T20I format ft. Kusal Perera
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