The 1st Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand kicks off on September 18, 2024, at the picturesque Galle International Stadium. This clash marks the beginning of New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka, promising an intriguing contest on a pitch known for its spin-friendly conditions.
Sri Lanka, will aim to leverage their home advantage, with a lineup boasting experienced spinners and promising young talent. Their recent form has shown resilience and adaptability, crucial for success in home conditions.
New Zealand, arrives with a formidable squad known for its balanced mix of pace and spin. This series will be a test of New Zealand’s adaptability to subcontinental conditions and their ability to maintain their competitive edge away from home.
SL vs NZ Team Preview & Squads
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s cricket team has a rich history, and under the interim guidance of Coach Sanath Jayasuriya, they continue to strive for excellence. Jayasuriya, a legendary figure in Sri Lankan cricket, brings a wealth of experience and insight.
Dhananjaya de Silva leads the Sri Lankan side with a calm demeanor and sharp cricketing mind. As captain, he has become a key figure in Sri Lankan cricket, known for his ability to perform under pressure and guide his team with both bat and ball.
Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews bring valuable experience and stability to Sri Lanka, with Chandimal anchoring the middle order and Mathews providing leadership and all-round skills. Together, they have been crucial in securing key victories. Lahiru Kumara adds pace and aggression to the bowling attack, delivering vital breakthroughs.
Sri Lanka won the 3rd Test at The Oval by 8 wickets, successfully chasing a target of 219 after England’s totals of 325 and 156. Sri Lanka responded with 263 in their first innings and completed the chase with ease at 219/2, securing a decisive victory.
Tim Southee, New Zealand’s experienced fast bowler, has been a cornerstone of the team’s bowling attack. His ability to handle high-pressure situations with composure and tactical sharpness has guided the Black Caps through many challenging matches.
Gary Stead, the head coach, has played a pivotal role in shaping New Zealand’s strategic approach. Known for his calm, analytical coaching methods, Stead has focused on building a balanced and adaptable squad. His ability to fine-tune the team’s strengths and address vulnerabilities has been key in driving their continued success on the international stage.
Players like Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips have become crucial to New Zealand’s lineup. Conway’s ability to anchor innings with his consistent and technically sound batting has made him indispensable at the top of the order.
The only Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand, scheduled to take place in Greater Noida from September 9 to 13, 2024, was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Unfortunately, due to persistent unfavorable weather conditions, no play was possible throughout the match, resulting in a complete washout.
New Zealand Squads
New Zealand
Tim Southee, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, William O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
Galle International Stadium is renowned for being one of the most spin-friendly pitches in the world. The pitch typically offers assistance to spinners from Day 1, and as the match progresses, the surface tends to deteriorate, leading to unpredictable bounce and more turn.
Weather in Galle, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is usually hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 27-32°C (81-90°F). Rain interruptions are common due to the region’s tropical climate, especially during the monsoon season, which can affect play.
Test scores at Galle have historically varied. The first-innings scores are often moderate, with totals in the 350-480 range considered competitive. However, the challenging pitch can make chasing tricky, especially if the spinners get into their rhythm, and lower scores have often defended successfully.
SL vs NZ Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
In their last five encounters, New Zealand has dominated with four wins. Sri Lanka managed a win.
According to cricket analysts New Zealand has a 55.4% chance of winning.
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