Sri Lanka vs New Zealand | Cricket Match Prediction | 1st T20I | Nov 09 – Can SL win over NZ?

SL vs NZ Match Analysis

On November 9, 2024, at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla, Sri Lanka and New Zealand will play the opening Twenty20 International of a three-match series at 7:30 p.m. BST.

Sri Lanka, under the guidance of new head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, has achieved a series of strong results across all formats. Captain Charith Asalanka will aim for a well-rounded performance with both bat and ball in this fixture.

New Zealand is set to return to the T20 format after nearly five months. Interim captain Mitchell Santner will be looking for his team to adapt to the conditions and deliver a solid performance against the Islanders.

SL vs NZ Team Preview & Squads

Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka’s top batting performer in the T20 format since June 2004 has been Pathum Nissanka. Across nine matches, Nissanka has scored 291 runs at a strike rate of 133.48, including two half-centuries. Since June 2004, leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has led the bowling charts for Sri Lanka in the 20-over format, claiming 15 wickets in nine matches with an economy rate of 8.16.

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, captain Charith Asalanka, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa are among the players who SL will be depending on to provide the majority of the runs in the batting department.

SL will rely on players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Kamindu Mendis, and Dunith Wellalage to make timely breakthroughs in the bowling department.  

Sri Lanka Squads

Sri Lanka Squads

Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage.

New Zealand

New Zealand and Sri Lanka have clashed 24 times in T20 history, with New Zealand holding the upper hand with 13 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 9 victories, while two matches ended without a result.

NZ will rely on players like Glenn Phillips, Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman, Tim Robinson, and Mitchell Hay to provide the majority of the runs in the batting department.

To make timely breakthroughs in the bowling department, New Zealand will be depending on players like Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, and Zak Foulkes. 

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand Squads

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

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand outfield report

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla

With the team batting second winning two of the last three games, Dambulla has shown itself to be an excellent place for chasing. Both captains will be eager to win the toss and field first to maintain that record.

Thundery thunderstorms are predicted to occur during the game on Saturday, making the weather forecast far from ideal.

In the T20s, the average first innings score at Dambulla is approximately 176 runs. Afghanistan’s 209 for 5 over Sri Lanka is the highest score shown here. 

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

NZ won three of their five games, while SL won just one.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Sri Lanka has a 65% 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.