NZ vs SL Match Prediction- 1st T20I, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25

The three-match T20I series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will get underway this week. The first game of the NZ vs SL series is scheduled to be played on Saturday (December 28) at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.

After recently losing the three-match Test series against England at home, New Zealand will be desperate to bounce back and win the T20I series. Earlier this year, the Black Caps had also lost the home T20I series against Australia and will be hoping to end the year on a good note.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka are coming into this series after losing the Test series in South Africa earlier this month. The Islanders were whitewashed in the two-match series and will be eyeing a better display in the T20I series against New Zealand. So ahead of the first NZ vs SL T20I, here are all the predictions for the game.

NZ vs SL Match Prediction- 1st T20I, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25:

Pitch Conditions

The first T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be played at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The venue has hosted 12 T20Is so far. Although the last T20I played here between New Zealand and Bangladesh was a low-scoring game, the venue does produce good runs.

The average first innings total at the venue is 158 runs while the highest T20I total is 243/5. So the batsmen will get ample support from the surface. At the same time, the bowlers will also get good bounce and swing from the surface and will be looking to make the most of it.

The teams will also keep in mind the poor record of the team batting second at the venue. Of the 12 games that have been played at the Bay Oval so far, teams batting first have won 8 times while teams batting second have managed to emerge victorious on only one occasion.

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, and Matt Henry will be the key players for New Zealand.

SL - Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara 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 Perera or Charith Asalanka

NZ vs SL Best Bowler Prediction

Who will pick the most wickets for NZ in the match: Matt Henry or Zak Foulkes

Who will pick the most wickets for SL in the match: Matheesha Pathirana or Wanindu Hasaranga

Conclusion - Who will win the Match?

New Zealand will start the game as favorites and are expected to win. Not only the head-to-head record but the home advantage also make New Zealand the strong contender to win the game.