SL vs NZ 1st T20I, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Sri Lanka are doing really well under their new leadership and as a unit they look a lot more confident. New Zealand too will be very confident coming to Sri Lanka after the high of whitewashing India in India. They are playing T20 Cricket for the first time after their group stage exit in June though and New Zealand will know that the next fifteen months are very important for them given the manner of their exit in the last World Cup.

SL vs NZ Match Details

Date: November 9th, 2024

Time:  7:00 PM IST

Venue: Dambulla

SL vs NZ Weather Report

There is some rain forecast during the game with 40% rain predicted. 

SL vs NZ Pitch Report

Dambulla has been on the drier side and batting first is a better choice with a lot of spin in the middle overs.

SL vs NZ Predicted Playing XI

NZ Playing XI

Will Young, Tom Robinson, Henry Nicholls, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Josh Clarkson, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffey, Ish Sodhi

SL Playing XI

Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando

SL vs NZ Key Players

Mitchell Santner

Fitness permitting, Mitchell Santner will be coming into the upcoming game with a lot of confidence. As a bowler he turned a corner in Test Cricket and his spin will be with a lot more bite now that he finally conquered the subcontinent challenge.

Dunith Wellalage

While Wellalage has not played much in T20Is, his ODI Experience has made him a force at home. He is a very good spinner and has shown that he can choke oppositions with ease making him one to watch.

SL vs NZ Match Tips

Recent events will keep New Zealand full of confidence but Sri Lanka's recent run at home has been pretty solid as well.

Match Prediction: Sri Lanka Will Win The Match