New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2018/19, Today Match Prediction 11 Jan 2019

nz vs srl Match Prediction & Analysis

New Zealand has won both the Test and ODI series 1-0 & 3-0 respectively against Sri Lanka.  They are unbeaten and now face off against Sri Lanka in a T20 affair.

Tim Southee takes over the captaining duties as regular skipper Kane Williamson is rested. Martin Guptill and Mitchell Santner mark their comebacks in the T20 format after injuries. James Neesham missed out after a hamstring injury in the third ODI played recently and Doug Bracewell replaces him in the squad. Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls and Colin Munro are expected to be the batting mainstays in the team. All-rounder Scott Kuggelejin is expected to make his debut after impressive form in domestic matches. Lockie Ferguson and Seth rance will share the pace bowling duties with their skipper. Ish Sodhi is the lone spinner in the squad. 

Sri Lanka team are yet to get a win in New Zealand after the completion of Test and ODI series. They would be hoping to win the lone T20I match and make a mark in New Zealand.

Lasith Malinga returns as captain to his most favoured format. Niroshan Dickwella, Dhanajaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal form an explosive batting line-up. Inform all-rounder Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Asela Gunaratne are expected to fire towards the end to get their team to a competitive total. Fast Bowlers Nuwan Pradeep and Chameera are expected to pair up with Malinga to share the bowling responsibilities. Chinaman Sandakan and Seekuge Prasanna are the spinners available in the Squad. Danushka Gunathilaka`s off-spin bowling capabilities may be required along with his batting. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

New Zealand Preview

Key Players:

Colin Munro – The stylish left hander has known for his T20 exploits and is one of the two batsmen to score 3 centuries in the T20 internationals.

Ross Taylor – Taylor showed his class and capabilities with the bat in the third ODI. He will be itching to send some balls out of the park.

Ish Sodhi – Sodhi has been the best spinner in the ODI series and will expect to continue his rich form with the ball.

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

Tim Southee (C), Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Tim Seifert (Wk),   Scott Kuggelejin , Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.

Scott Kuggelejin may get his T20I cap and Mitchell Santner will combine Ish Sodhi to bowl spin in the middle overs. 

Sri Lanka Preview

Key players:

Thisara Perera – Perera had a fantastic ODI series with the bat. He has been a lone warrior in the last ODIs hitting some monstrous sixes. 

Niroshan Dickwella – The aggressive keeper will be keen to hit some quick runs at the top to set the tone of the match. He can change the match in a matter of minutes. 

Lasith Malinga – Malinga`s bowling has been on a decline recently and he has to prove his worth to the team before falling out of the selector`s radar. 

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Lasith Malinga(C), Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella(Wk), Dananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan.

Dinesh Chandimal may be opted out of the playing XI after his poor showing in the ODIs. Sandakan will be the lone spinner in the playing XI.

Weather Conditions

 Auckland pitch is traditionally a high scoring pitch with smaller boundaries. We can expect a run feast as happened in the ODI series. Runs more than 200+ will be scored easily. Bowlers need to outclass the batsmen with their variations as pitches are not supportive to them.

Toss: WIN the toss, BAT First

Auckland has been high scoring ground and teams batting first has won more matches than chasing. Both teams would look to bat first and post a target more than 200+ runs to pressure the opponent batsmen.