The cricketing world turns its eyes to Sri Lanka as the highly anticipated ODI series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand kicks off on November 13, 2024. The first match will take place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, starting at 2:30 PM IST. Following a split T20I series, both teams are eager to prove their dominance on the ODI stage. Sri Lanka has shown impressive form recently, securing victories against both India and the West Indies, which adds to their confidence heading this series.
Sri Lanka's squad is equipped with key players such as Dunith Wellalage, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Nissanka, who have made significant contributions to the team's success. The hosts have acclimatized well to local conditions, which could give them the upper hand. The team’s recent performances indicate they are not just relying on individual brilliance but functioning as a cohesive unit.
On the other side, New Zealand arrives with newfound confidence after clinching the second T20I of the series, showcasing their resilience. They will face unique challenges being away from home, especially the anticipated slow and spin-friendly conditions of the Dambulla pitch. Key players for New Zealand, including Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell, will need to adapt quickly to these circumstances.
Unfortunately for New Zealand, they will be without the services of Lockie Ferguson and Wanindu Hasaranga, who have been sidelined by injuries. This absence may impact their strategies and put more pressure on the remaining squad members to step up.
Match Overview
The Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand ODI series comprises three matches, with this first ODI being pivotal for setting the tone. Historically, New Zealand has had the upper hand with 52 wins out of 102 encounters with Sri Lanka, who have managed 41 victories, along with eight matches ending without results and one tied. This statistic adds extra motivation for the Lions as they aim to improve their standing.
The weather for the match day is less than ideal, with forecasts predicting 60 to 65 percent chance of rain throughout the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to hover around 28 degrees Celsius, coupled with humidity levels reaching between 85-90 percent. Such conditions can play tricks not just on players’ stamina but also on how the pitch behaves.
Pitch Conditions
Expectations arise for Dambulla’s pitch to support slower bowlers. Historically, the surface tends to get slower as the match progresses, favoring spinners as the innings wear on. Aim for scores between 240-260, with teams likely preferring to bat first should they win the toss. The dew factor might also influence decision-making, particularly during the evening.
Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Charith Nissanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka, and Dilshan Fernando are projected to take the field for the hosts.
New Zealand
For New Zealand, the probable lineup includes Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitch Hay (wk), Josh Clarkson, Adam Milne, and Jacob Duffy.
Fantasy Cricket Picks
For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, Kusal Mendis is regarded as a leading pick, demonstrating stellar performance throughout the year with 525 runs across 15 ODIs. Likewise, Michael Bracewell, who is expected to contribute with both bat and ball, should be on players’ radars. Dunith Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay represent match-winners capable of changing the course of matches, particularly with ball control on the Dambulla pitch.
Key Players to Watch
From the Sri Lankan side, Dunith Wellalage is expected to play a pivotal role. His dual skills with bat and ball make him indispensable, particularly with his record of scoring 124 runs and taking nine wickets this year. On the New Zealand side, Glenn Phillips stands out—evil genius with the bat, and his bowling capabilities could earn his team much-needed breakthroughs.
Predictions and Expectations
With the hosts having the advantage of conditions and recent performances, Sri Lanka is favored to emerge victorious against New Zealand. The perfect blend of steady players and home ground familiarity might just be what they need. Meanwhile, New Zealand's squad, laden with determination from their recent T20 performance, will aim to deliver surprises. This match has all the makings of being closely contested, and fans can expect nothing less than thrilling cricket action.
Conclusion
The first ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand promises to be filled with excitement, as the teams gear up for battle on Dambulla’s pitches. Various dynamics such as weather changes, pitch conditions, and player performances will influence the match's outcome. For cricketing aficionados, this showdown serves as another chapter in the long-standing rivalry between these two nations, and no one can wait to see how it all pans out!
