New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, NZ vs SL, Today Match Prediction 25 March 2023

nz vs sl Match Prediction & Analysis

New Zealand will be hosting Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series after beating them 2-0 in the test series at home. The first ODI of the series will be played at Eden Park, Auckland, on 25th March, from 6:30 am IST (2:00 pm local time). The series will have tremendous importance from a Lankan point of view as this will be their last chance to grab direct qualification for the ICC World Cup 2023. 

New Zealand won the two-match Test series 2-0, including a final ball thriller in the first game. But the test series results will not relieve Tom Latham’s home side much, as they will be without the leading run-scorer, Kane Williamson (337 runs), and Devon Conway, due to IPL commitments. Tim Southee and Michael Bracewell will also not be available for selection. This will give a strong opportunity to the Lankan side to get things back on track before the ODI World Cup.

In recent ODI matches, New Zealand have been many steps ahead of Sri Lanka. They have been on a 13-match win streak in ODIs at home since 2019. Besides this, they have won their last 5 games against Sri Lanka. The last time when both teams collided, New Zealand won the game by 10 wickets with 203 balls remaining. Matt Henry’s three for 29, followed by 73 off 51 balls from Martin Guptill, were some noticeable performances from that game.

Three years and nine months later, New Zealand and Sri Lanka are playing their first ODI against each other. While New Zealand has already qualified for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Sri Lanka are in the 10th spot with 77 points. They must win all games to take over West Indies (88 points) and South Africa (78 points) to secure qualification for the World Cup. If they manage to win less than that, they must wait for the outcome of the two oDIs between South Africa and the Netherlands.

TEAMS PREVIEW

New Zealand Preview

With most of the players going for the IPL, skipper Tom Latham will have a huge task of defending the 22-year-old record of winning all ODI series against Sri Lanka at home. Finn Allen and Henry Nichols are set to open the innings in the absence of Devon Conway. Both Allen and Nichols averaged less than 30 in the last two years. The addition of Will Young will be key for New Zealand to put fight against the visitors. Young has scored two centuries in the last three games played in New Zealand. 

Latham will play a part in the middle with Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell. Latham has scored 771 runs in 21 innings played in the last two years. This includes 3 centuries and two half-centuries with an average of 45.35. All three centuries have come while playing in New Zealand, where he averages 222 in 6 innings. In fact, he had scored 145 in 104 balls against India while chasing 307 runs in the same venue. He is our choice for the best batter. Mitchell has been in the form of his life since last year. He averages 122 in the last three games played at home.

Matt Henry will lead the bowling attack with Lockie Ferguson and Blair Tickner. Henry has 9 wickets in the last 4 games played at home. He has been very effective against Sri Lanka. In 8 innings, Henry has 21 wickets against the visitors. Ish Sodhi will play the role of the spinner in the team. It will be interesting to see if New Zealand goes with Mark Chapman or give a chance to Rachin Ravindra.

Key Players: Will Young, Tom Latham, Matt Henry.

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

Tom Latham (c), Finn Allen, Henry Nichols, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner, Ish Sodhi, Mark Chapman.

New Zealand Actual Playing XI:

Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Henry Shipley, Finn Allen, Ish Sodhi, Chad Bowes, Blair Tickner, Will Young, Glenn Phillips

Sri Lanka Preview

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will likely open the innings for Sri Lanka. Nissanka has been Lanka’s second-leading run scorer in the last two years. He has scored 607 runs in 18 innings at an average of 35.70. He has scored a fifty-plus figure in every three innings he played. Mendis hasn’t got much chance in recent years. In 4 games, he has 101 runs on the board. Dhananjaya de Silva will come next to bat at number three. De Silva has 498 runs in 20 innings since 2021.

Charith Asalanka will be our choice for the top batter. The middle-order batter is Lanka’s leading run-scorer for the last two years. In 21 innings, he has scored 791 runs at an average of 41.63. This includes 1 century and 6 half-centuries. Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga will merge with Asalanka in the middle order. Shanaka has played the most ODIs amongst the lot. But his average is just 28. Hasaranga has scored 393 runs with the bat. But his leg spin is more threatening for the hosts. Hasaranga has claimed 21 wickets in 18 innings at an economy of 4.91 (in the last two years).

Sri Lanka will be without their most in-form bowler Dushmantha Chameera. So all the heavyweight will be on the shoulders of Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha. Rajitha has been impressive since the last few games. He has 14 wickets in 7 innings. Sri Lanka should add Angelo Matthews to the team. Despite being the eldest, he has the most runs and most wickets against New Zealand.

Key Players: Charit Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Pathum Nisanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dunith Wellalage

Sri Lanka Actual Playing XI:

Nuwanidu Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Wanidu Hasaranga, Dilshan Madushanka, Angelo Mathews, Chamika Karunaratne

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The weather will be partly cloudy with no chance of rain. The temperature will range between 15 and 21°C. The wind will be flowing from the west at 16-19 kmh. It is easy to score runs on this pitch. Pacers get an early advantage, while spinners find a good turn as the game progress. 

Venue Details

The 1st ODI will be played at Eden Park, Auckland, on 25th March, from 6:30 am IST (2:00 pm local time).  The venue holds a capacity of 41000 spectators and has hosted 50 Tests, 82 ODIs & 27 T20Is so far. New Zealand has registered the highest total (340) at this venue.

Toss: To Bowl

In 82 ODIs, the team batting second has won the game on 46 occasions. New Zealand has successfully chased 337 runs against Australia at this venue. The team winning the toss should bowl first.