Bay Oval Mount Maunganui Pitch Report For New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Dec 27 2024, 1:00 PM

Bay Oval Mount Maunganui [Source: @MazherArshad/X]Bay Oval Mount Maunganui [Source: @MazherArshad/X]

On Saturday, New Zealand will cross swords against Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the upcoming three-match series at home. The much-awaited clash will be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. 

Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand have assembled a robust squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka. As we have seen over the years, New Zealand's all-rounders are their biggest strength, with the likes of Santner, Bracewell, Chapman, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips are expected to play crucial roles. 

On the other hand, Sri Lanka have some outright match-winners throughout their lineup and can give the hosts a run for their money. While skipper Charith Asalanka brings multi-dimensionality to the table, the visitors rely on Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana for an impactful outing in this match. 

So, as the stage is set for a cracking contest, let's see how the surface at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui will behave throughout the contest. 

Bay Oval Mount Maunganui Stats And Records In T20Is

Criterion
Data
Matches played17
Matches won batting 1st11
Matches won batting 2nd3
Average 1st innings score152
Average 2nd innings score133


Bay Oval Mount Maunganui Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The surface at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui might offer a hint of seam movement to the fast bowlers early on. There could be some swing for the pacers; however, the batters can capitalise on the track's pace and bounce after negotiating the new-ball spell. Overall, it has been an excellent batting track over the years, with the average run rate reading 8.71 across 12 Men's T20Is. 

The spinners might get some turn, especially in the second innings. Having said that, they must vary their pace wisely and bowl accurately to succeed at this venue. Statistically, teams batting first have won all men's T20I games at this venue. So, considering this fact, the toss-winner might opt to bat first and put runs on the board. 

Players To Watch Out For At Bay Oval Mount Maunganui

Glenn Phillips

  • New Zealand's premier all-rounder Glenn Phillips has an impressive record at Bay Oval, scoring 147 runs, including a century, at a strike rate of 175. Apart from scoring brisk runs lower down the order, Phillips can chip in with a few overs of off-spin.

Kusal Mendis

  • Kusal Mendis is Sri Lanka's most successful T20I batter this year, having amassed 572 runs at an average of 30.10 and a strike rate of 128.82. If he survives the first few overs, Mendis can be a threat to the Kiwis, courtesy of his 360-degree stroke-play. 

Matt Henry

  • Matt Henry is an experienced fast bowler and can extract seam movement with the new ball. Sri Lanka's top-order is slightly vulnerable to quality pace bowling and Henry can exploit their technical weakness if he finds some assistance off the deck. 

P.S: Apart from these players, the eyes will be on Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Matheesha Pathirana and Charith Asalanka in the first T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.