NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Pitch Report - Sri Lanka Tour Of New Zealand 2024, 1st T20I

SL vs NZ, T20I Series: Dream11 Tips for the 1st Match [Source: @BLACKCAPS/x.com]

New Zealand (NZ) will be up against Sri Lanka (SL) in the first T20I match of the three-match series. This match will be played at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui in New Zealand on December 28th at 11:45 AM IST.

Ahead of the game, here is a look at the Dream11 predictions, the top player picks, the fantasy cricket tips, the pitch report and the best-predicted XIs for the fantasy contests of the match.

NZ vs SL 1st T20I Preview

New Zealand isn't in the best of form in T20 format. They have recently managed to only tie a T20I series against Sri Lanka at 1-1 back in November this year, and in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, they couldn't qualify for the semifinals. With the addition of very strong players like Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips in the squad, the Kiwi cricket team has a better chance to win this match, as they are very good in their home conditions as compared to the opponent side. 

On the other hand, the Sri Lankan team also played their last T20I against New Zealand at home and tied a 2-match T20I series, and they have also defeated West Indies by 2-1 in October at home. The return of Wanindu Hasaranga into the squad only strengthens the squad more, and this series allows them to fine-tune their squads ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head in T20Is

NZ vs SL 1st T20I Weather And Pitch Report

Weather - According to AccuWeather, the weather will be blend od sunshine and clouds. The temperature will be in-between 27°C-13°C and there is only 4% chance of rain during the game.

Pitch Report - The pitch at Bay Oval is a good batting track. The pitch provides good bounce and early movement, making it a high-scoring ground in Twenty20 International cricket. Nevertheless, as the match advances, the pitch tends to decelerate, tilting the advantage towards bowlers during the later stages of the game. The spinners have better economy rate as compared to fast bowlers on this ground.

Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui- Record of Chasing Teams in T20Is

12 T20I matches have been played at Bay Oval Cricket Stadium so far, and the chasing team has won only 1 game out of it. The skipper winning the toss will prefer to bat first on this ground depending upon the past records.

Hot Picks for NZ vs SL 1st T20I Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips

NZ vs SL 1st T20I Captain and Vice-captain Choices

NZ vs SL 1st T20I  Fantasy Team for Head-to-Head/Small Leagues

Wicketkeepers: Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Mitchell Hay
Batters: Glenn Phillips, Pathum Nissanka
All-rounders: Daryl Mitchell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Michael Bracewell
Bowlers: Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana

Captain: Glenn Phillips
Vice-captain: Pathum Nissanka

NZ vs SL 1st T20I Fantasy Team for Winner Takes All/ Grand Leagues

Wicketkeepers: Kusal Mendis
Batters: Glenn Phillips, Avishka Fernando, Rachin Ravindra
All-rounders: Mitchell Santner, Wanindu Hasaranga, Michael Bracewell, Charith Asalanka
Bowlers: Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana, Jacob Duffy

Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga
Vice-captain: Rachin Ravindra

NZ vs SL 1st T20I Expert Advice

Given the playing conditions and the expected team combinations of the two sides, a 1-3-4-3 or 3-2-3-3 combination will be ideal for the game.

---

ALSO READ

Charith Asalanka To Captain As Sri Lanka Announces Squad For New Zealand ODI Series

---