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

Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be resuming their rivalry in ODIs this week. They will be up against each other in the first game of the three-match series on Wednesday. The first SL vs NZ ODI will be taking place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla.

The upcoming series will conclude New Zealand's tour of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka have thoroughly dominated New Zealand so far. They won the Test series 2-0 before the T20I series ended at 1-1. With the action now moving to the ODI series, below is the full match prediction for the first game.

SL vs NZ Team Analysis

Sri Lanka

Charith Asalanka will be leading Sri Lanka in the first ODI. The Sri Lanka captain played a match-winning knock in the first T20I against New Zealand and will be eyeing a similar impact in the first SL vs NZ ODI.

New Zealand

Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner will be leading the New Zealand team in the forthcoming game. Santner has been in fine form in recent games and will be looking to make the most of it.

SL vs NZ Key Factors

Pitch Conditions

The game will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla. The venue is not known for producing high-scoring games. The average first innings total at this venue is a modest 216 runs.

With conditions favorable for spinners, one can expect a low-scoring game. Both the T20Is were played at the same venue and the batsmen struggled for runs in both of those games.

Form and Fitness

Sri Lanka have a few injury concerns going into the first SL vs NZ ODI. Their star allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga is unlikely to play in the series due to a hamstring injury. Kusal Mendis is carrying a niggle as well but is likely to play the series opener.

New Zealand will also be without Lockie Ferguson. The pacer, who picked up a hattrick in the second T20I, has been sidelined with a calf injury. He has been replaced by Adam Milne in the squad.

“Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out of ODI Series, Kusal Mendis Likely to Play Despite Injury Concerns” - Charith Asalanka pic.twitter.com/Dp7xKgG2cW

— Lahiru Mudalige (@LMudalige) November 11, 2024

Tactical Acumen

Sri Lanka - In recent times, Sri Lanka have defeated India and West Indies in ODIs at home. They have the firepower to outplay any team in their home condition and will be eyeing a similar performance against New Zealand.

New Zealand - New Zealand will have their task cut out against Sri Lanka. The Black Caps have shown remarkable composure against spin since the Test series in India and will be hoping that they continue their good show in the ODIs.

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

SL vs NZ Score Prediction

Players to perform prediction

SL - Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, and Kamindu Mendis are some of the key players for New Zealand.

NZ - Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Lockie Ferguson will be the key players for New Zealand.

Best Batsmen Prediction

Who will score the most runs for SL in the match: Pathum Nissanka or Charith Asalanka

Who will score the most runs for NZ in the match: Will Young or Henry Nicholls

Best Bowler Prediction

Who will pick the most wickets for SL in the match: Dunith Wellalage or Maheesh Theekshana

Who will pick the most wickets for NZ in the match: Lockie Ferguson or Glenn Phillips

Conclusion - Who will win the Match?

While New Zealand won the second T20I against Sri Lanka, the hosts will be starting the first ODI as firm favorites. In recent times, Sri Lanka have thoroughly dominated the opposition at home and it won't be surprising if they make light work of a New Zealand side that is without several big names.