After an action-packed T20I series full of surprises, which ended with the visitors New Zealand stealing away the final game to tie the series, the white-ball action continues as Sri Lanka get ready to host New Zealand for an ODI series.
Ahead of the opening game of the series, here are our match preview and predictions.
Also read: Sri Lanka Cricket Sponsors 2024 | New Zealand Cricket Sponsors 2024
The hosts come into this game with the more experienced squad, with captain Charith Asalanka having at his disposal a strong batting lineup featuring the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, and Kusal Perera. The Lankan Lions also have a threatening bowling attack with a talented spin unit which includes the likes of Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasarange, Dunith Wellalage, and Jeffrey Vandersay among others. The spinners will be key for the hosts in this series.
The visitors, on the other hand, will continue with their mix of youth and experience as Mitchell Santner looks to end the long Subcontinent tour with another big series win. The likes of Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, and Henry Nicholls will have to step up in the slow and turning conditions, and Santner, along with the likes of Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell, will be crucial with the ball. Lockie Ferguson, hero of the final T20I game, is set to miss out, with Adam Milne roped in as a replacement.
At the Dambulla ground, which will be hosting its first ODI since 2018, there will be a slow pitch allowing the spinners to come into play. Expect the hosts and their spin unit to come out on top in the first ODI.
Fantasy XI: Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Mark Chapman, Glenn Philips, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mitchell Santner, Matheesha Pathirana, Michael Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Dunith Wellalage
Venue: Dambulla
Winners Prediction: Sri Lanka
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