NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Fantasy Predictions (Source: Twitter)
The first Test of the Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand will take place at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The match is scheduled for Thursday 9th March at 3:30 AM IST. Before the match we will take a look at all the important facts, stats, the prime player picks and the best-predicted XIs for the fantasy contests of the match.
For more Fantasy Tips and Predictions from OneCricket, click here.
In the last 10 matches, New Zealand have not managed to win the number of matches they would have liked. They have won three matches and will look to win this match in order to finish this WTC cycle on a high. But they are coming into this math on he back of a sensational and thrilling victory over England by just one run.
Sri Lanka on the other hand, have had a good run in this WTC cycle. They have won five of their last 10 matches and will be desperate to win these two matches. However, it will be tough conditions for the Asian team which is more signified by the fact that even South Africa struggled in the last Test that was played at this venue.
For live scores and ball by ball updates of the match, click here.
NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Pitch Report- Hagley Oval, Christchurch
The pitch at Hagley Oval will favour the bowlers especially in the initial stages of each day of the match. There will be lateral movement available for the bowlers and the skipper winning the toss will be looking to field first on this wicket.
Numbers at the Ground (Test Matches)
Total Matches: 12
Matches won batting first: 4
Matches won batting second: 7
Matches drawn: 1
Average first innings score: 286
Average second innings score: 305
Average third innings score: 269
Average fourth innings score: 159
NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Head-to-Head
The two teams have played 36 Test matches against each other in the history. The balance of the face-off is heavily in favour of the 'Black Caps'. In the last ten matches, New Zealand have been even more dominant. Sri Lanka will look to turn the tables from this match.
Head-to-Head (Overall)
Total Matches: 36
New Zealand won: 16
Sri Lanka won: 9
Matches Drawn: 11
Head-to-Head (Last 10 Matches)
New Zealand won: 7
Sri Lanka won: 2
Matches Drawn: 1
NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand Team News
No major updates
New Zealand Probable Playing XI
Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee (c), Matt Henry, and Neil Wagner.
Sri Lanka Team News
No major updates
Sri Lanka Probable Playing XI
Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Oshada Fernando, Kushal Mendis, Angelo Matthews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Ramesh Mendis, Kasun Rajitha, and Asitha Fernando.
NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Top Five Picks
- Devon Conway (NZ): A stable opener at the top, Devon Conway is a very consistent run scorer. Conway will be a very important pick for this match.
- Dimuth Karunaratne (SL): The Sri Lankan skipper is a very stable batter in the middle-order. Dimuth Karunaratne provides solidity to the Sri Lankan batting line-up and that makes him a prime pick for the match.
- Kane Williamson (NZ): Arguably the best batter in the Kiwi batting line-up, Kane Williamson is going from strength to strength in the purest format of the game. Williamson will be a very crucial pick for the match.
- Oshada Fernando (SL): The Sri Lankan opener is very talented and can give the team a solid start. Although he has not converted his potential into performances, Oshada Fernando can be a very important pick for this match.
- Tim Southee (NZ): The New Zealand skipper could be lethal with the new ball. Tim Southee can swing the ball both ways and that will cause troubles to the Sri Lankan top-order. He will be a very important pick for this match.
NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Must picks for the match
New Zealand
- Devon Conway
- Kane Williamson
- Tim Southee
Sri Lanka
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Oshada Fernando
- Asitha Fernando
NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Risky Picks
New Zealand - Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry
Sri Lanka - Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva
NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Best Captain and Vice-captain choices
- Kane Williamson (NZ)
- Dimuth Karunaratne (SL)
- Tim Southee (NZ)
NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Team for Head-to-Head Contests
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Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis
Batters: Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando
All-rounders: Daryl Mitchell
Bowlers: Matt Henry, Tim Southee, A Fernando
Captain: Kane Williamson
Vice-captain: Tim Southee
NZ: 6 Players; SL: 5 Players
NZ vs SL, 1st Test: Team for Winner Takes All Contests
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Wicketkeepers: Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis
Batters: Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Angelo Matthews, Dimuth Karunaratne
All-rounders: Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell
Bowlers: Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Kasun Rajitha
Captain: Devon Conway
Vice-captain: Angelo Matthews
NZ: 6 Players; SL: 5 Players
 "Probuddha Bhattacharjee")