Tim Southee and Dimuth Karunaratne [Source: Twitter]
In a highly anticipated clash, New Zealand and Sri Lanka are set to engage in the opening Test of the two-match series on Thursday, March 9. The Hagley Oval in Christchurch will serve as the battleground for this cricketing showdown.
Team Preview: New Zealand
After the recently concluded two Tests against Ben Stokes' England, the Black Caps, led by the tenacious Tim Southee, have chosen to retain their unchanged squad for the forthcoming series.
New Zealand recently defeated England by 1 run [Source: Twitter]
Although they were subjected to a harsh beating in the first Test, they managed to redeem themselves in the second Test, securing a hard-fought victory by a margin of a solitary run in one of the most enthralling Test matches of all time.
The reigning World Test Championship (WTC) champions have been enduring a difficult run in the current WTC cycle. Nevertheless, they are now keen on delivering a surgical display against Sri Lanka, who have been grappling with overseas Tests for quite some time.
Team Preview: Sri Lanka
On the other hand, Sri Lanka is still in contention to progress to the final of the World Test Championship 2021-23, which will take place later this year.
However, they need to beat New Zealand 2-0 in the upcoming series and hope that Australia will triumph over India in the final Test in Ahmedabad.
In such an event, Sri Lanka will emerge as the second finalists, along with Australia, pushing India down to third in the points table.
Sri Lanka has had a rather dismal record at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, having lost both their Tests in 2014 and 2018. It will require an extraordinary effort from the Lankans to overcome the Kiwis on their home turf, where they are a force to be reckoned with.
With both sides possessing different objectives and motivations, the series opener promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
Match Details
Date and Time: March 9, 3:30 AM IST
Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Live Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Hagley Oval is notably lively and maintains its character throughout the five days of play. Fast bowlers are expected to obtain significant movement during the day, and it will not be a walk in the park for the batters. The team that wins the toss will prefer to bat first.
Probable Playing XI
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee (C), Matt Henry, Neil Wagner
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Keepers: Tom Blundell, Dinesh Chandimal
Batters: Kane Williamson/Henry Nicholls, Dimuth Karunaratne, Tom Latham, Angelo Mathews
All-rounders: Daryl Mitchell
Bowlers: Tim Southee, Kasun Rajitha, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry
Captain: Tom Latham
Vice-captain: Tim Southee
Prediction
New Zealand are the favourites to win this contest because of their familiarity with the conditions and their formidable record at home.
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