NZ vs SL ODI Series - Players to Watch out for

The NZ vs SL T20 international series has come to an end with a consolation win for Sri Lanka in the last fixture. The hosts scored a comfortable win in the first two fixtures and registered a series win against the Lankans in the shortest format of cricket.

Both teams are now scheduled to face each other in the 50-over format. NZ vs SL 1st ODI will take place on 5th January at the Basin Reserve Stadium. The ODI series is expected to be a thrilling one as the two teams have a good experience playing against each other. Check out the match prediction for the NZ vs SL 1st ODI.

New Zealand will have massive confidence in the team after winning the T20 series but the Kiwis have not played much of ODI cricket in 2024. However, they are also missing out on some important names from the squad. Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert are not part of the national squad because of their commitment towards the ongoing Big Bash League. Similarly, Kane Williamson and Devon Conway are missing out on the squad because of their commitment to the upcoming SA20 cricket league.

Sri Lanka has not made many changes in the squad except for calling Eshan Malinga to the ODI squad. Lahiru Kumara has also been called back to the squad and Sadeera Samarawickrama has been replaced by Nuwanidu Fernando. The cricket betting websites will have the odds in favour of Sri Lanka for the ODI series.

NZ vs SL ODI Series - Squads 

New Zealand

Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young

Sri Lanka

Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga

NZ vs SL ODI Series - Key Players

1) Will Young - New Zealand

In the absence of some big names in the squad, the team management will have high hopes for Will Young. He had a good outing in 2024 and was part of all the 3 ODIs New Zealand has played. Will was the leading run-scorer for New Zealand in 2024 and he would be motivated to start his new year on a positive note.

2) Kusal Mendis - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka boasts some of the best batters in their batting lineup. The leading run scorer in the ODI format in 2024 - Kusal Mendis will be in the spotlight again this year. The year 2024 was a positive one for Mendis and he will be expected to continue his momentum this year. Kusal Mendis has become a T20 expert and his presence at the top order is always a danger to any opposition.

3) Wanindu Hasaranga - Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan squad also have the presence of Wanindu Hasaranga in the squad who has been the leading wicket-taker in the ODI format in 2024. He is one of the most dangerous spinners in the world and the Kiwis have always faced troubles when he is bowling. Hasaranga is intimidating and has multiple variations to stun the opposition at any time.

4) Pathum Nissanka - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has another weapon in their squad, Pithum Nissanka. He was the 2nd highest scorer in ODI format in 2024 and that makes Sri Lanka’s batting lineup the most dangerous. He will be part of the top order and with Kusal Mendis, Nissanka can build partnerships and trouble the opposition during early hours of the match.

NZ vs SL ODI Series - Head-To-Head

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