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

After losing the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, Sri Lanka will take on the hosts in the first ODI of the three-match series. Wellington’s Basin Reserve will host this game on Sunday, January 1. After a dismal show in the first two matches of the T20I series, the Islanders displayed brilliant form in the third and last T20I.

Charith Asalanka’s men will aim to win the ODI series opener and start the three-match series on a winning note, getting a lead of 1-0. Sri Lanka will look ahead to come up with a strong playing XI in the first ODI against the Blackcaps.

Having said that, here we’ll look at the predicted playing XI of Sri Lanka for the first ODI of the here-match series against New Zealand.

Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis (WK)

Sri Lanka will look ahead with an unchanged opening pair in the first ODI, positioning Pathum Nissanka and wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis as the openers. The pair had a decent run in the recently concluded three-match T20I series.

The duo stitched an amazing 121-run opening partnership in the first T20I, with Pathum Nissanka scoring 90 runs off 60 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. They will also aim to give Sri Lanka a strong start in the first ODI of the series.

Middle-Order: Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (C), and Chamindu Wickramasinghe

Sri Lanka’s middle order will consist of number three batter Avishka Fernando; he could play a crucial ‘anchor role’ in building a brilliant foundation for Sri Lanka in case their openers fail. Avishka Fernando will be followed by skipper Charith Asalanka at number 4.

Asalanka, alongside Chamindu Wickramasinghe, will play a pivotal role in helping Sri Lanka to build a big total on the board in the first innings or chase a big target in the second innings.

All-Rounders: Janith Liyanage and Wanindu Hasaranga

Batting all-rounder Janith Liyanage and star bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga will be the priories as the all-rounders for Sri Lanka in their playing XI. Liyanage could play an important ‘finisher’ role with some big hits in the slog overs.

Speaking of Wanindu Hasaranga, he was in brilliant bowling form in the T20I series against the Blackcaps. He scalped 6 wickets in the three innings of three matches, picking two wickets each in all the matches.

Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Mohamed Shiraz, and Lahiru Kumara

Spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage will join the pace bowling duo of Mohamed Shiraz and Lahiru Kumara in the bowling attack. Theekshana was also an important part of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack in the T20I series.

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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