Predicting New Zealand’s Playing XI for their 1st ODI vs Sri Lanka

After losing a three-match ODI series by 0-2 against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka back in November 2024, New Zealand will take on the Islanders in the home three-match ODI series. The first ODI of the three-match series will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Sunday, January 5, at 3:30 AM (IST). 

The Blackcaps will be playing their first ODI series under the newly appointed white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner after former pace-bowling great Tim Southee announced his retirement. Santner and Co. will be eyeing starting the ODI series on a winning note with a success in the ODI series opener against the visitors. 

With that said, here we’ll look at the predicted playing XI of New Zealand in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. 

Openers: Will Young and Rachin Ravindra 

The Kiwis are expected to field a different opening pair in the first game of the three-match ODI series. They might go ahead with the pair of Will Young and Rachin Ravindra. The duo could provide a strong start in the powerplay overs, attacking the opponent bowlers with an aggressive approach. 

Will Young has scored 383 runs in the last 7 ODI games, with an amazing batting average of 63.83. He will be accompanied by Rachin Ravindra, who has been in sensational batting form in the recently concluded three-match T20I series.

Middle Order: Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, and Mitchell Hay (WK) 

New Zealand’s middle order in the first ODI will include Mark Chapman, batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips, alongside the in-form Daryl Mitchell and wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay. Daryl Mitchell played a quick fiery knock of 35 runs off just 17 balls in the third-last T20I against the Islanders. 

This quartet of batters in the middle-order can help the hosts post a big total to trouble Charith Asalanka’s men with a tough run-chase in the second innings. Besides that, they are also able to set a strong foundation for New Zealand while chasing the target. 

All-Rounders: Mitchell Santner (C) and Michael Bracewell

Skipper Mitchell Santner himself will be a brilliant option to pick as an all-rounder in NZ’s Playing XI for the first ODI against Sri Lanka. Santner scalped a wicket in the third T20I, alongside crucial 14 runs with the bat in the second innings. 

Santner will be accompanied by Michael Bracewell who can also be crucial with his off-spin, alongside scoring some important runs with the bat. 

Bowlers: Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Will O’Rourke 

The senior pacer Matt ended the three-match T20I series with a decent bowling form, scalping 5 wickets in three innings. He is expected to lead the Blackcaps’ bowling attack in the first game of the three-match ODI series. Alongside Henry, Jacob Duffy could also be a crucial asset with the ball for his side.

Duffy scalped 8 wickets in three innings, alongside picking ‘4 wickets at just 15 runs’ in the second T20I. Henry and Duffy will be accompanied by Will O’Rourke in the ODI series opener against the Islanders. 

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.

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