Cricket Match Prediction | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand | 1st ODI | Nov 13 – Let’s who will win after the series draw.

SL vs NZ Match Analysis

On November 13, 2024, at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla, Sri Lanka and New Zealand will play the first One-day International of a three-match series at 3:00 p.m. BST.

New Zealand is staging a solid comeback in the second game after their loss in the first. The Kiwis have had a successful tour of the subcontinent and will aim to maintain their momentum, while Sri Lanka is set on defending their ground. Historically, New Zealand hasn’t fared well in Sri Lanka, so it will be interesting to see if they can turn things around this time.

Sri Lanka is on an impressive home streak, with just one loss in their last 10 games, making them a formidable team to face. Their potent spin attack has posed significant challenges for batters in these conditions.

SL vs NZ Team Preview & Squads

Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka has observed New Zealand’s strengths in the previous T20 match and is ready for a competitive battle this time. Having recently beaten the West Indies in a home ODI series, the team will draw confidence from that success. Asalanka anticipates a solid performance from his players to gain the series lead.

The squad anticipates a solid performance from Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, who have been in excellent form in recent months. The foundation of this lineup is Kusal Mendis, who needs to form alliances with Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka. Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Sadeera Samarawickrama give this SL batting lineup more punch. 

The Kiwis would take them on, thus Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka would need to take early wickets. In the middle overs, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage will try to exploit the home field and cause problems for the hitters. In their supporting roles, Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka will try to maintain the pressure on the opposition. 

Sri Lanka Squads

Sri Lanka

Nishan Madushka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dushan Hemantha, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Dunith Wellalage.

New Zealand

New Zealand will be proud of their comeback in the last game under Mitchell Santner’s leadership. Although they started the T20 series with a loss, they ended on a strong note. The team is missing some key players due to injuries, but Santner will aim to set an example and guide his side to an early lead in this game.

Since winning in Sri Lanka requires scoring against the new ball, Will Young will want to perform well at the top with Mark Chapman. The middle order is powerful thanks to Glenn Phillips, Henry Nicholls, and Michael Bracewell, and they will try to win the match. Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner, and Mitch Hay give the batting depth and strength. 

Despite having a potent offensive, NZ will have a difficult game. The early breakthroughs must go to Lockie Ferguson and Jacob Duffy because SL has a potent batting lineup. Since they have the most important responsibilities, Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi need to make the most of the circumstances. Bracewell and Glenn Phillips need to do well in the supporting roles. 

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand

Henry Nicholls, Tim Robinson, Will Young, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Zakary Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Glenn Phillips, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Hay, and Nathan Smith. 

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand outfield report

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla

The side pursuing the score has had the advantage in the previous games at this location. It’s never simple to defend a score in the dark. When the batting conditions are ideal, the team that wins the toss would prefer to bowl first and chase the score. 

The sky at Dambulla will be cloudy. Because of the slow wicket, the hitters will probably have a difficult time because they will have to play well against balls that stop on them. Bowling on this surface would appeal to spinners. The team batting first needs to score 300 runs, and the average first innings score is 212. 

SL vs NZ Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

NZ won four of their last five face-offs, while SL won none.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Sri Lanka has a 70% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.