Table of Contents
This will be the first match of the 3-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand (NZ vs SL). The match will be played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on 28th December 2024 at 11:45 PM IST.
New Zealand will be under a new leader Mitchell Santner. They also have many fresh faces in their squad who will be looking to cement their spot in the T20I squad. The likes of Tim Robinson, Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith etc. are all talented players. The Kiwis will be eyeing a win in the first game the series.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has been in great form in recent times. They recently faced off against New Zealand in Sri Lanka. They have a very balanced T20I squad with the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Mendis, Kaminu Mendis and others as the key players for them. Sri Lanka has dominated in their home conditions which suit the spinners. This will be a good test for their side in different conditions. The visitors will also look to take a 1-0 lead in this game.
NZ vs SL Probable Playing XI
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy
Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamindu Wickramasinghe/Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara
NZ vs SL Dream11 Pitch Report
The pitch for this game is expected to assist the batters. There will be movement on offer for the pacers with the new ball and the spinners will come into play as the game progresses. Batters will enjoy batting on this wicket as they can play their shots trusting the pitch. The average first innings score here is 177 runs. Teams are expected to prefer chasing.
Fantasy Value from Pitch Report
- Try to select the top 4 batters from both teams.
- Spinners from the 2nd innings will enjoy bowling in this match.
- Death bowlers from the first innings and all-rounders will be good C/VC options.
NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction: Must Picks
Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)
- Wanindu Hasaranga will be a must-pick for this match. He will bowl 4 overs and is handy with the bat as well.
- Hasaranga has picked up 34 wickets in 18 T20Is this year. He will be a top C/VC choice.
MAtheesha Pathirana (SL)
- Matheesha Pathirana will be a key bowler for Sri Lanka. He will bowl in the middle and death overs and can pick wickets in clusters on his day.
- Pathirana has picked up 28 wickets in 16 games in 2024. Try him as C/VC while bowling first.
Daryl Mitchell (NZ)
- Daryl Mitchell will bat at 3 for the Kiwis. He is a good player of spin bowling and can score big in this game.
- This game will be played at his home ground. Mitchell has scored 194 runs in 7 T20I innings this year at an average of 38.80 at a strike rate of 167.24 including two fifties. He can also give an or two with the ball.
NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction and Tips
If New Zealand bats first
- Matheesha Pathirana will be a top C/VC choice.
- Mark Chapman will be a good differential pick.
- You can take the risk of dropping Charith Asalanka.
If Sri Lanka bats first
- Zak Foulkes will be a top differential pick alongside Nuwan Thushara.
- Dropping Pathum Nissanka can be worth the risk.
- Try Matt Henry as C/VC in the big leagues.
NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction: Dream11 Teams
Small League Team
Grand League Team
