Sri Lanka will be facing New Zealand in a T20I series of two matches. The first of them will take place at Dambulla on the 9th of November 2024. Sri Lanka seems to have had a big transformation to their side. Under the coaching of Sanath Jayasuriya, they have beaten India in an ODI series, clean swept NZ in Tests, and beat WI in both ODIs and T20Is.
Given their edge over NZ in the Test series, home advantage, and the recent form, SL might start as the favorites to win. But one cannot afford to go complacent against a side like NZ who just whitewashed India in a Test series in their own backyard. Compared to NZ, the home side has a settled lineup. They would be confident of claiming the series.
Here’s the potential playing XI of Sri Lanka in the 1st T20I against New Zealand
Top Order – Patthum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), and Kusal Perera
Sri Lanka is likely to continue with the top order they had in the series against West Indies. Patthum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are likely to be the openers. While the former is an anchor, the latter is an aggressor. Mendis is also likely to keep the wickets. At number 3, the home side could have Kusal Perera. He needs a big knock for his confidence. There might not be a better opponent than NZ to do so.
Middle Order – Charith Asalanka (C), Bhanuka Rajapaksha, and Kamindu Mendis
In the middle order, SL has some aggressive batters. Charith Asalanka might bat at 4. The Southpaw is arguably their best batter and has been leading SL well. Bhanuka Rajapaksha might bat after him. It will be a good opportunity for him to establish himself in the side. Kamindu Mendis is likely to get a longer run as a middle order batter. He would be hoping to bring his Test form to T20Is.
Lower Middle Order – Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga
Sri Lanka has two spin-bowling All-rounders in their lower middle order. Both of them play a key role in providing the much-needed balance for the side. Dunith Wellalage is a highly talented player who can win matches on his own both as a batter and as a bowler. Wanindu Hasaranga’s focus would now be on the T20 format after retiring from Tests. He’s one of the best T20 bowlers in the world.
Bowlers – Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara
It is Sri Lanka’s bowling which is their biggest strength. The pace attack is especially lethal. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara form a great pace duo. While both of them operate incredibly well at the death, Pathirana can take wickets in the middle overs. Nuwan can claim wickets early in the innings. Along with them, Maheesh Theekshana is likely to operate in the end PP overs. He is likely to be an economical spinner.
Sri Lanka’s playing XI against New Zealand in the first T20I
Patthum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara
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.
Predicting Hobart Hurricanes Women’s playing XI for their match against Adelaide Strikers Women in WBBL
3 changes India can make for the 3rd T20I against South Africa 
Predicting Adelaide Strikers Women’s playing XI for their match against Hobart Hurricanes Women in WBBL 2024
Predicting New Zealand’s Playing XI for 1st ODI against Sri Lanka 
