The SL vs NZ Test series is all set to thrill cricket fans with two exciting games. New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024 begins with the first Test on Wednesday, September 18 in Galle, Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan team, led by Dhananjay de Silva, lost their previous Test series to England (2-1) but displayed a wonderful attack to win the final match. Defeating England in England has been a great achievement for the team.
New Zealand need to prepare as they do not have home advantage in the series and Sri Lanka are quite powerful at home. Here we take a look at the full match preview.
SL vs NZ team analysis
Sri Lanka
Dhananjaya de Silva is Sri Lanka’s captain in the series. With a winning percentage of 42.86, they are ranked fifth in the ICC World Test Championship points table.
New Zealand
Tim Southee is New Zealand’s captain in the series. They are ranked third in the WTC points table with a winning percentage of 50.0.
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Key factors of SL vs NZ
Playing field conditions
The first Test match between SL and NZ will be held at the Galle Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka. It is a high-scoring ground where teams often post mammoth totals.
The pitch is conducive to spin bowlers and spin bowlers always dominate the opponent. Spin hitters also enjoy a good day’s work.
Shape and fitness
So far there are no injured players and all members are available for the first game.
Tactical acumen
Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka has the home advantage and is quite powerful on home soil.
New Zealand: New Zealand is a dominant team on any soil and in the current scenario, they are a much more powerful team than Sri Lanka in Tests.
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SL vs NZ Match Prediction: 1st Test, New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024
SL vs NZ Result Prediction
Equipment
1st entry
2nd entry
SL
400-450 250-300
New Zealand
350-400 250-300
Players will make predictions
SL- Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Dimuth Karunaratne are key members of the team.
New Zealand – Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner are prominent names in their squad.
Prediction of the best hitter
Who will score more runs for SL in the match: Pathum Nissanka or Kusal Mendis?
Who will score more runs for New Zealand in the match: Kane Williamson or Daryl Mitchell?
Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for SL in the match: Prabath Jayasuriya or Vishwa Fernando?
Who will pick the most wickets for New Zealand in the match: Mitchell Santner or Tim Southee?
Who will win the match?
The match will be a close one and it is difficult to predict who will win. However, the match could end in a draw or Sri Lanka could take the win with home advantage in their favour.
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Conclusion
The SL vs NZ test series will provide an excellent opportunity for both teams to improve their positions in the WTC points table. A landslide win will help them improve their positions in the table and both teams will be aiming for the same.
