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

New Zealand last toured Sri Lanka back in 2019. It was a world before Covid and after Kane Williamson and New Zealand faced a massive heartbreak in the World Cup Final. Sri Lanka's test team was transitioning after the retirement of Rangana Herath, and now Rangana Herath steps in a spin bowling coach for New Zealand. In the gap, New Zealand has seen players forego Central contracts while Kane Williamson has also moved on from captaincy across formats for good. He remains their best batter, and the spin attack is also growing. Galle though has turned out to be a pretty good ground for Sri Lanka. While it is not yet a fortress they have had some good wins in recent times at the ground.  Sri Lanka has had an up and down year but the high of the Oval Test win will be fresh in their mind as Sri Lanka managed to pick up and overseas win after a really long time.

SL vs NZ Match Details

Date: September 18th, 2024

Time:  10:00 AM IST

Venue: Galle International Stadium

SL vs NZ Weather Report

Rain seems to be following New Zealand. The Test has significant rain forecast throughout the Test with interruptions likely.

SL vs NZ Pitch Report

Galle tends to deteriorate fast and spin will play a huge role. With wearing conditions batting first will be a no-brainer decision after the toss.

SL vs NZ Predicted Playing XI

SL Playing XI

Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ashitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara

NZ Playing XI

Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

SL vs NZ Key Players

Prabath Jayasuriya

Prabath Jayasuriya has been a master at Galle. In his young Test career he has dominated at the ground. While he was sidelined in England he now has a chance to take the spotlight with Jayasuriya likely to be front and center in the action.

Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra is a vital all-rounder in white-ball Cricket and he now has his own chance at making it big in the long format. With spin likely to play a huge role he will have his tasks set-up. He is a good player of spin and can be the accurate left-arm spinner as New Zealand look to groom their next generation all-rounder.

SL vs NZ Match Tips

Both sides look pretty good coming into the Test. New Zealand, with their all-rounders have a lot of balance and are stuffed with bowling options. Sri Lanka too are in with some strong options both with bat and ball and picking a favorite looks tough. Galle though has been a happy hunting ground for Sri Lanka and that could leave them marginally favorites.

Match Prediction: England Will Win The Match