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

The NZ vs SL three-match ODI series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will begin this week. The first match of the series is scheduled to be played at the Basin Reserve, Wellington on Sunday (January 5).

New Zealand registered a 2-1 win in the T20I series and will be looking to win the ODI series as well. On the other hand, Sri Lanka won the NZ vs SL third T20I and will be keen to start the ODI series on a winning note. In the third T20I, Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 7 runs in a high-scoring game.

Batting first, Sri Lanka scored 218/5 in 20 overs thanks to a fine ton from Kusal Perera. The left-handed batsman smashed 101 runs off 46 balls while captain Charith Asalanka scored 46 off 24 balls. In reply, New Zealand scored 211/7 in the allotted 20 overs.

With the NZ vs SL T20Is done and dusted, both teams are now gearing up for the first ODI. And ahead of the series-opener, here is the preview for the game.

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

NZ vs SL Date and Venue:

The upcoming first ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be taking place on Sunday (January 5). The NZ vs SL game will be played at the Basin Reserve, Wellington.

Squads:

New Zealand:

Mitchell Santner (c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Hay (wk), Tom Latham (wk), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, William O'Rourke

Sri Lanka:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga

NZ vs SL Key Battles

Jacob Duffy vs Pathum Nissanka:

The onus will be on Jacob Duffy and Pathum Nissanka to give their teams a good start with ball and bat respectively. Both the players had an impressive outing in the recently-concluded T20I series.

Nissanka started his tour of New Zealand with a fine knock of 90 runs in the first T20I although it eventually went in vain. He got the starts in the following two matches as well but eventually failed to convert them into big scores. The right-handed batsman scored 37 and 14 runs in the second and third T20I respectively.

Duffy, on the other hand, finished the series as the highest wicket-taker. In the first game, he picked up 3 wickets before taking 4 for just 15 runs in the second game. In the final game of the series, he claimed one wicket.

Wanindu Hasaranga vs Daryl Mitchell:

This is another battle that could decide the outcome of the game. Both Wanindu Hasaranga and Daryl Mitchell are key players of their respective teams and will be keen to win this duel.

Mitchell looked in good form in the T20I series, getting runs in all the games. In the first game, he scored 62 runs that helped New Zealand recover from a disastrous position and post a winning total. Mitchell scored 18 runs before being run out in the 2nd match. In the final match of the series, the right-handed batsman smashed 35 off just 17 balls.

Just like Mitchell, Hasaranga also made useful contributions with the ball in all three T20Is. He picked 2 wickets in each of the three T20Is and will be eyeing more wickets in the upcoming first ODI.

Rachin Ravindra vs Asitha Fernando:

There is absolutely no denying that Rachin Ravindra can win a game single-handedly. The highly-rated batsman was going through a lean patch in recent times before roaring back to form with a fine fifty in the third T20I.

With New Zealand chasing a big total of 219 runs, Ravindra almost took them to a win with his brilliant 69-run knock. He will be looking to extend his form and start the ODI series on a good note. Sri Lanka will be relying on their fast bowler Asitha Fernando to dismiss Ravindra early in the innings.

NZ vs SL Key Players

NZ - Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Mitchell Santner, and Jacob Duffy will be some of the key players for New Zealand.

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

Conclusion:

After a hard-fought T20I series, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be keen to start the ODI series on a winning note. Even though New Zealand are favorites for the game, Sri Lanka will be taking confidence from their victory in the third T20I.