The NZ vs SL first T20I of the three-match series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be played this week. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I is scheduled to take place on Saturday (December 28) at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
NZ vs SL game will kickstart Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand. The Islanders are coming into this game following a 2-0 loss in the Test series in South Africa earlier this month. While Sri Lanka have done well at home in recent times, they have struggled to replicate that form in away assignments.
They will be looking to come up with a better show in the upcoming series. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back following the loss at home in the three-match Test series against England. With both the teams eyeing a win, here is the preview for the 1st NZ vs SL T20I.
NZ vs SL Match Preview - 1st T20I, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25:
NZ vs SL Date and Venue:
The upcoming first T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be taking place on Saturday (December 28). The game will be played at the Bay Oval.
Squads:
New Zealand:
Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith.
Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal. Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana.
NZ vs SL Key Battles
Rachin Ravindra vs Matheesha Pathirana:
This is the one battle that could decide the course of the game. Both Rachin Ravindra and Matheesha Pathirana can win a match single-handedly and they will be looking to deliver in the upcoming game.
Ravindra will be desperate to do well in the series after his poor outing against England in the three-match Test series. In six innings, the left-handed batsman could score only 129 runs at an average of 21.5.
Pathirana, on the other hand, will be keen to come up with another good display against New Zealand in the T20Is. In the two-match series last month against the Black Caps, the right-arm pacer had picked up 5 wickets.
Matt Henry vs Kusal Mendis:
Sri Lanka will be relying on their star opener Kusal Mendis to get a good start with the bat. Mendis has the ability to play according to the situation and can switch gears at will. However, he will have his task cut out against New Zealand pacer Matt Henry.
Henry is expected to lead the bowling attack for the hosts and he can cause trouble for any batsmen, especially at home. The right-arm pacer can swing the ball at a good pace and will be looking to unsettle the Sri Lankan opener.
Mitchell Santner vs Kusal Perera:
The battle between Mitchell Santner and Kusal Perera will be another one that could decide the fate of the game. Known for his big-hitting skills, Perera can change the course of a game within a matter of a few deliveries.
The left-handed batsman looked in good touch during the first warm-up game as well, smashing 30 runs with the help of 4 fours and a six. He will be looking to do well against New Zealand too and the onus will be on captain Santner to ensure that Perera does not run away with the game.
NZ vs SL Key Players
NZ - Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry will be some of the key players for New Zealand.
SL - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, and Maheesh Theekshana will be the key players for Sri Lanka.
Conclusion:
After the last T20I series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand ended in a 1-1 draw, both teams will be looking to win the upcoming series. The three-match series promises to be a thrilling one and both the teams will be keen to start it on a winning note.
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