NZ vs SL Match Prediction- 1st ODI, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25

New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be facing each other in the first ODI of the NZ vs SL three-match series on Sunday (January 5, 2025). The series opener is scheduled to be played at the Basin Reserve, Wellington.

Earlier, both the teams locked horns against each other in a NZ vs SL three-match T20I series. New Zealand won the series by a margin of 2-1. The Black Caps started the series with a hard-fought 8-run win. In the second game, New Zealand thrashed Sri Lanka by 45 runs to clinch the series.

In the third game, Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 7 runs in a high-scoring game to end the series on a winning note. Batting first, New Zealand scored 218/5 in the allotted 20 overs. Kusal Perera starred with the bat, scoring 101 runs off 46 balls while captain Charith Asalanka scored 46 off 24 balls.

In reply, New Zealand finished their innings on 211/7. Opener Rachin Ravindra impressed with the bat, scoring 69 off 39 balls but his efforts were not enough to take his team home. With both the teams now gearing for the first ODI, here are all the predictions for the game.

NZ vs SL Match Prediction- 1st ODI, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25:

Pitch Conditions

The first ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be played at the Basin Reserve, a venue that is likely to assist the fast bowlers. The average first innings total at Basin Reserve is 200 runs. So anything above 250 will be considered a very challenging total.

While pacers are likely to have a bigger say early in the game when they are expected to get a good swing, batsmen will also enjoy playing their shots once the ball gets a bit old.

Form and Fitness

There are no injury concerns for either of the two teams.

Score Prediction

NZ vs SL Players to perform prediction

NZ - Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Jacob Duffy will be the key players for New Zealand.

SL - Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Asitha Fernando will be the key players for Sri Lanka.

NZ vs SL Best Batsman Prediction

Who will score the most runs for NZ in the match: Rachin Ravindra or Daryl Mitchell

Who will score the most runs for SL in the match: Kusal Mendis or Pathum Nissanka

NZ vs SL Best Bowler Prediction

Who will pick the most wickets for NZ in the match: Jacob Duffy or Mitchell Santner

Who will pick the most wickets for SL in the match: Asitha Fernando or Wanindu Hasaranga

Conclusion - Who will win the Match?

New Zealand will start the game as firm favorites and are expected to win the upcoming ODI against Sri Lanka. Even though Sri Lanka won the third T20I to get momentum, New Zealand still has the favorites tag.

The Black Caps have a stunning record at home against Sri Lanka in the 50-over format. Both the teams have played 45 ODIs in New Zealand and the home side has won 30 of those games while the tourists have won just 12. So New Zealand will be looking to extend their brilliant home record against Sri Lanka.