New Zealand is set to take on Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve for the first ODI of their three-match series on January 5, 2025. The atmosphere is buzzing with cricket fans eager for action after New Zealand's recent T20I success over their guests.
The match begins at 3:30 AM IST, coinciding perfectly with the local time of 11:00 AM. The Kiwis have shown remarkable form, clinching the T20I series 2-1, and now they are building on this momentum as they prepare for the ODIs. They face Sri Lanka, who are coming off notable victories, including against teams like India and the West Indies, making this encounter all the more thrilling.
New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, won the toss and elected to bowl first. Santner stated, “The pitch was under cover for a couple of days, so there will be moisture underneath, and we want to make the most of it.” The pitch at Basin Reserve is known for offering assistance to fast bowlers, especially with the new ball, but it flattens out as the game progresses, allowing for some free scoring later on.
Sri Lanka, led by captain Charith Asalanka, is determined to make their mark, especially since they haven't won an ODI series on New Zealand soil since 2001. "We would have loved to bowl first too," remarked the Sri Lankan skipper after the toss, indicating their readiness to seize the day.
This ODI series serves not only as preparation for both teams for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy but also as a potential springboard for Sri Lanka's ambitions, having built a strong ODI core under the leadership of Charith and the standout performances from players like Kusal Mendis.
Fans can watch the match live on the Sony Sports Network and stream it online via platforms like Sony Liv and Amazon Prime. The cricketing world is geared up for what promises to be magnificent battles between two competitive teams, striving for dominance on the field.
Overall, the first ODI presents an exciting opportunity for both New Zealand and Sri Lanka to assert their cricketing prowess as they head toward legacy-building opportunities like the upcoming World Cup.