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SL vs NZ 1st T20I Match Prediction [Source: @OfficialSLC, @T20WorldCup/x.com]
Sri Lanka and New Zealand are all set to kick off their three-match T20I series with the first match on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The hosts come into this clash in great form, while New Zealand will be hoping to turn things around after an abysmal run in T20 World Cup 2024.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been firing on all cylinders. They took down India 2-0 in an ODI series, swept New Zealand 2-0 in Tests, and then grabbed a white-ball series win over the West Indies just last month. With Charith Asalanka leading a solid squad that’s stayed mostly unchanged, they will be hoping to keep that momentum going and make a strong to the series.
New Zealand
On the other hand, New Zealand had a tough time at the T20 World Cup, crashing out in the group stage. But they recently pulled off a massive 3-0 Test series win over India, marking their first-ever series win on Indian soil. While they’re bringing in a young squad for this series, they’ve got Mitchell Santner at the helm, and he’s been in top form. Now, they will be looking to shake off those T20 struggles and give Sri Lanka a run for their money.
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SL vs NZ Head-to-Head Records
| Categories | Sri Lanka | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 23 | 23 |
| Matches Won | 9 | 13 |
| Matches Lost | 13 | 9 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
How Will the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Pitch Behave?
Dambulla’s pitch tends to favor spinners with its dry, low-bounce surface. Batting here can be tricky, especially as the ball starts to grip and turn. The average first innings score is around 118, so big runs are hard to come by. Out of six T20Is here, four have gone to teams batting first, so expect the toss winner to choose to bat.
Players To Watch Out For In SL vs NZ 1st T20I
Top All-Rounders
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
Wanindu Hasaranga has been a wicket-taker for Sri Lanka, claiming 17 wickets in his last 10 matches at an economy of 8.15 and an exceptional strike rate of 12.82. His leg-spin will be a powerful weapon in the middle overs. Moreover, he's handy with the bat too and can add quick runs down the order.
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)
Captain Mitchell Santner has been in sensational form as seen in the Test series against India. His left-arm spin will be crucial on the Dambulla surface which will assist spinners. Moreover, the southpaw has time and again shown that he is no mug with the bat.
Top Batting Performers
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Kusal Mendis has been in excellent form, scoring 372 runs in his last 10 matches at an average of 41.33 and a strike rate of 127.39. His consistent run-scoring ability at the top makes him a crucial player for Sri Lanka.
Mark Chapman (New Zealand)
Mark Chapman has scored 147 runs in his last 7 matches at an average of 36.75 and a high strike rate of 145.54. His explosive style adds depth to the New Zealand batting lineup.
Top Bowling Performers
Nuwan Thushara (Sri Lanka)
Nuwan Thushara has taken 14 wickets in his last games, at an economy rate of 6.57 and an impressive strike rate of 7.57, making him a potent strike bowler.
Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand)
Lockie Ferguson has picked up 7 wickets in 4 matches at a sensational economy of 4 runs per over and a strike rate of 13.71. His pace and precision make him a threat to any batting lineup.
Today's Match Prediction: SL vs NZ 1st T20I
Predicted Top Performers
Sri Lanka – Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Nuwan Thushara
New Zealand – Mitchell Santner, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson
SL vs NZ 1st T20I: Predicted Score
Predicted first innings score: 120-140
Predicted second innings score: 110-130
 "Jatin")
