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

Sri Lanka is all set to take on New Zealand in a T20I series. The match takes place at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. Sri Lanka has the home advantage in the series and they also defeated New Zealand in the longest format recently.

However, in the recent 5 T20I games, Sri Lanka has won only once and New Zealand has won 3 games. One ended in a tie. Hence, Sri Lanka cannot take the BlackCaps lightly. Below is the complete prediction for the match.

SL vs NZ Team Analysis

Sri Lanka

Charith Asalanka is the captain of Sri Lanka in the SL vs NZ series. They have lost 4 games and won 2 games against New Zealand at home.

New Zealand

Mitchell Santner is the skipper of New Zealand and they lost their recent Test series against Sri Lanka but will look to win the T20I series. They have won more games against Sri Lanka in the shortest format.

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SL vs NZ Key Factors

Pitch Conditions

The match takes place at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, which is an average scoring ground in T20Is.

The average 1st innings total is 114 while the average 2nd innings total is 119. The stadium has hosted 24 games so far out of which teams batting first won 10 games while teams batting first won 14 games.

Form and Fitness

All players part of the squad are fit and available for the first game. No players got injured in the previous series and all named players are fit and available for the series.

Tactical Acumen

Sri Lanka- Sri Lanka has the home advantage and more experienced top-order batters than New Zealand in SL vs NZ. They also have more options for spinners and defeated New Zealand in the Test series recently.

New Zealand- New Zealand have some dominating pacers and hard hitters in their squad and they have a good variation of players. They are confident after their recent Test series win against India in Test series. The Blackcaps scripted history by defeating India at their home.

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

SL vs NZ Score Prediction

Players to perform prediction

SL- Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Pathun Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Matheesha Pathirana, are key members of the side in the SL vs NZ series.

NZ- Mitchell Santner, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Glenn Philips, and Will Young are some key players in the squad.

Best Batsman 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: Glenn Phillips or Mark Chapman

Best Bowler Prediction

Who will pick the most wickets for SL in the match: Maheesh Theekshana Wanindu Hasaraga

Who will pick the most wickets for NZ in the match: Mitchell Santner or Ish Sodhi

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Who will win the Match?

Sri Lanka is likely to win the first game The hosts are quite strong at their home soil in all formats and they also defeated New Zealand in the recent Test series. New Zealand will need to come up with a better show to outplay Sri Lanka. However, they too have very powerful players.

Conclusion

The winning team will get a boost in the SL vs NZ T20I series with a lead. Since the match only comprises two games, the team that wins the first game will have an advantage and less pressure in the next game.