πππππ :Β New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
ππππ : December 28 ,Saturdayββ
ππππ :β 11:45 PM ISTβββββ
πππππ : Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
ππππππππππ :ββ 1st T20 2024
Batting challenge for Sri Lanka in New Zealand
- Sri Lanka hasn’t won against New Zealand in New Zealand in last seven games
- New Zealand plays at home, and the players know the conditions well
- Sri Lanka’s batsmen have struggled against quality pace attacks
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar
Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website.
NZ vs SL Match Prediction & Analysis
It is the first game of the three-match T20i series, and both teams shall look for an early lead. New Zealand had drawn the last T20 series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and is playing at home; the side will count on its chances. The Sri Lankans haven’t done well outside the subcontinent in recent years, and this will be a big test for the team in this game.
Sri Lanka has a poor record playing in New Zealand. They have won only once in the eight T20 games against the hosts. The side doesn’t have a strong bowling attack for these conditions. New Zealand has a strong fast bowling unit and shall look to leverage it. The history is against the Sri Lankans, and it will be interesting to see if they can turn it around on this tour.
TEAMS PREVIEW
New Zealand Preview
Mitchell Santner and his team will start confidently in this game. They have done well at home and have the bowling attack to trouble the Sri Lankans in these conditions. However, Santner will know his opponents’ abilities to deliver a strong counterpunch and expect a strong show from his players.
Tim Robinson and Mark Chapman will look to deliver a good start and put the team in a commanding position. The middle order is strong for the team, and they expect a good show in this game from Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Daryl Mitchell. Mitchell Santner, Zakary Foulkes, and Mitchell Hay strengthen this batting lineup with their hitting abilities.
The bowlers will enjoy bowling in these conditions, and the team expects Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry to rock the Sri Lankan top order. Mitchell Santner will look to use his experience and do well in the middle overs with Zakary Foulkes. Ravindra and Glenn Phillips add variety to this attack, making it strong.
Sri Lanka Preview
Charith Asalanka’s team will face a massive challenge in this game. They have struggled in these conditions, and their batting lineup has a history of struggling on fast and bouncy tracks. Asalanka would like his batsmen to take the challenge head-on and do well in this game to take an early lead.
Pathum Nissanka has enjoyed good form in recent matches, and he must deliver a good start with Kusal Mendis and handle the Kiwi fast bowling attack. Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, and Charitha Asalanka make a rock solid. Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga are good hitters, and the team expects runs from them in the lower middle order.
The bowling attack must use the conditions well for the team to win. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara must get early breakthroughs, as New Zealand has a strong batting lineup. Asitha Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga will look to keep an eye on the scoring rate in the middle overs. Maheesh Theekshana and Kamindu Mendis must do well in the supporting role.
Weather Conditions
The skies over Mount Maunganui will have some clouds on December 28. The wicket would be challenging to bat, where the ball will bounce and move. The side that bats first in the game should be happy to score 180 runs or more, with the average first-innings score being 152 runs.
NZ vs SL Pitch Report
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, is a happy hunting ground for fast bowlers. They get the ball to seam and swing on this surface. However, the smaller dimensions of the venue also allow batsmen to play their strokes easily. Grass on the track makes it a very challenging place for the spinners to bowl.
Toss: To Bowl
The conditions will be good for bowling when the ball moves around at the start of the game. We have seen batting getting easier as the game goes on. Hence, the side winning the toss in this game shouldn’t hesitate to bowl first.
