New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I Prediction, and Betting Tips
The 1st T20I of the Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25 is set to be played on December 28 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Sri Lanka dominated New Zealand during their recent home tour. Now, the Kiwis are aiming for revenge on their home turf in New Zealand. The first match is so crucial in this three-match T20I series the winner will get the 1-0 lead putting pressure on the other side. Check out the NZ vs SL 1st T20I prediction.
New Zealand led by new while ball captain Mitchell Santner features some prominent names like Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, and Matt Henry. The team is young and filled with good attacking batting. On the other hand, Sri Lanka led by Charith Asalanka has been playing well recently. The team includes some prominent names like Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Tushara, and Bhanuka Rajapasksha. They are looking so balanced side.
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NZ vs SL 1st T20I Prediction: Sri Lanka to win
Key Stats
- New Zealand won 3 out of their last 5 T20Is.
- Sri Lanka also won 3 out of their last 5 matches.
- New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka in their previous encounter in the shortest format of the game by 5 runs.
Match Prediction: Both teams feature some good T20I players like Rachin Ravindra, Matheesha Pathirana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mark Chapman, Pathun Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell. New Zealand has a good batting side while Sri Lanka is looking very balanced team with both departments featuring good options. However, the match is going to be a close contest with Sri Lanka coming on top.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
- New Zealand – 1.53
- Sri Lanka – 2.50
Most Recent H2H and Pitch Report
| Winning team | Won by | Date |
| New Zealand | 5 runs | 10 Nov 2024 |
| Sri Lanka | 4 wickets | 09 Nov 2024 |
| New Zealand | 4 wickets | 08 Apr 2023 |
| New Zealand | 9 wickets | 05 Apr 2023 |
| Match tied | 02 Apr 2023 |
Pitch Report
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I is set to be played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The pitch here is often a batting-friendly wicket.
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Results of last two T20Is played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Bangladesh vs New Zealand (Dec 31, 2023) – New Zealand won by 17 runs
| Bangladesh | 110/10 |
| New Zealand | 95/5 |
India vs New Zealand (Nov 20, 2022) – India won by 65 runs
| India | 191/6 |
| New Zealand | 126/10 |
New Zealand preview
New Zealand led by Mitchell Santner features some good T20I batters like Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and they have also added young Bevon Jacobs to the squad. They have also good all-rounders like Michel Bracewell and Mark Chapman. However, the bowling department is average.
Predicted XI: Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay, Bevon Jacobs, Nathan Smith, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
Sri Lanka preview
Sri Lanka led by Charith Asalanka is a good T20I side. They have good batters like Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perea, Pathun Nissanka and have a good strong bowling lineup including players, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Tushara, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Predicted XI: Pathun Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Tushara
Player to watch: Pathun Nissanka
Pathun Nissanka is a key player for Sri Lanka. The top-order batter can anchor the inning as well as can hit big shots when needed. With his skill and current form, he is going to be a major threat for New Zealand bowlers in this match.
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