The Blackcaps, fresh off a historic Test sweep over India, are expected to bring intensity to their white-ball matches as they take on Sri Lankan side looking to capitalize on their home conditions.
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Get SL vs NZ Fantasy 11 prediction, cricket tips, and predicted playing XI, pitch reports & injury updates for the 1st T20I of New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka. The New Zealand cricket team is all set to kick off their white leg of the Sri Lanka tour, and these two teams will be locking horns for the two T20Is and three ODIs, with the opening match slated to take place on November 9 at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla.
The Black Caps have arrived in Sri Lankan conditions riding the momentum of a historic milestone—a magnificent 3-0 Test series sweep over Rohit Sharma-led Team India on Indian conditions. This feat not only marked their first Test series win in India but also made them one of the rarest teams to mark a whitewash of the Indian team at home. Leading the T20I squad is star all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who was instrumental in the India series, scalping 13 wickets in the second Test match at MCA in Pune. Notably, this T20I series marks their first series after their disappointing group stage exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. The Black Caps will be eager to rebound and regain their momentum in this series against Charith Asalanka and his men.
On the flip side, the Sri Lanka cricket team defeated Team India by 2-0 in the ODI series played earlier this year and now won the recently concluded Test series 2-0 against New Zealand. They will be aiming to commence the white-ball series with a win. The Lanka Lions have been in red-hot form in the last couple of months at home and would be aiming to pose a big threat to Mitchell Santner and his men.
Read Also: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Match Prediction – Who will win today’s 1st T20I match between SL vs NZ?
Match Information- SL vs NZ Fantasy 11 Prediction
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 1st T20I
New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka, 9 Nov 2024, Sat, 7:00 PM IST, Dambulla
Probable PlayingXI
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, C Asalanka(C), A Fernando, B Rajapaksa, W Hasaranga, PHKD Mendis, K Mendis, K Perera, D Chandimal, M Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Bench: Dunith Wellalage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, JF Vandersay, AM Fernando, N Thushara, B Fernando
New Zealand
HM Nicholls, WA Young, Michael Bracewell, JA Clarkson, D Foxcroft, Mitchell Santner(C), MS Chapman, Glenn Phillips, LH Ferguson, JA Duffy, Ish Sodhi
Bench:Mitchell Hay, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Zak Foulkes
Injury News- The New Zealand squad sees the introduction of promising players Nathan Smith and Mitchell Hay, who have impressed in domestic cricket and will be debuting on the international stage. Also missing is former captain Kane Williamson, who skipped the India Tests due to injury. Mitchell Santner will captain a refreshed side in their absence.
Pitch Report
Captains- 7.5
Mitchell Santner NZ | all
The star cricketer was great during the recently concluded Test series against Team India. He can pose big threat to Sri Lanka team owing to his ability to contribute with both bat and the ball. In addition, he will also be aiming to guide his side to win the series opener under his leadership.
He is one of the most stand-out performers from the home team. The stylish right-handed batter has made 291 runs in the last 9 innings of the game and would be looking to pose big threat to strong Kiwis. One must have him in your Dream 11 team considering his form with bat at the top of the order.
The Sri Lanka skipper can pose big threat to New Zealand side in the next game. Asalanka has been in the tremendous form and his form with both bat and the ball can give you many fantasy points in your Dream 11 team. In addition, he will be looking to mark victory in the forthcoming series under his leadership after losing the T20I series to Team India.
Avoid Player Message- 7.5
Zak Foulkes- NZ | BOWL- 8.5