After a disappointing end to the Test Series against South Africa, the Sri Lankan team is set to return to T20I action once again against New Zealand. The previous encounter against the Kiwis ended without a win for either side as the two sides won one T20I clash each. On the other hand, New Zealand return to action on their home soil after a defeat in the Test series against England. Both sides will look forward to returning to winning ways against each other. The practice matches ended up well for the Sri Lankan as they won both the encounters against New Zealand XI.
Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, 1st T20I:
Date and Time: December 28, 6:15 am GMT | 11:45 am IST | 7:15 pm local
Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Bay Oval Pitch Report:
The pitch at the Bay Oval is known to help batters after an initial seam movement for the pacers. The pitch is reputed to be an excellent batting track with average run rate cruising at 8.71 across 12 Men’s T20Is. Due to a favourable atmosphere and a batting-friendly surface, teams generally winning the toss generally elect to bat first on this stadium.
NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction Picks:
- Wicket-keeper: Kusal Mendis
- Batters: Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Pathum Nissanka
- All-Rounders: Mitchell Santner, Wanindu Hasaranga, Daryl Mitchell
- Bowlers: Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:
Choice 1: Rachin Ravindra (c), Mitchell Santner (vc)
Choice 2: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Matheesha Pathirana (vc)
Also Read: Rachin Ravindra opines on the value of international cricket amidst the rise of franchise leagues
NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction Backups:
Nuwan Thushara, Mark Chapman, Zak Foulkes, Chamidu Wickramasinghe
NZ vs SL Dream11 Team for today’s match (December 28, 6:15 am GMT):
Squads:
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando.