Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be resuming their rivalry in ODIs this week. They will be up against each other in the first game of the three-match series on Wednesday. The first SL vs NZ ODI will be taking place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla.
The upcoming series will conclude New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka have thoroughly dominated New Zealand so far. They won the Test series 2-0 before the T20I series ended at 1-1. With the action now moving to the ODI series, below is the full match prediction for the first game.
SL vs NZ Team Analysis
Sri Lanka
Charith Asalanka will be leading Sri Lanka in the first ODI. The Sri Lanka captain played a match-winning knock in the first T20I against New Zealand and will be eyeing a similar impact in the first SL vs NZ ODI.
New Zealand
Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner will be leading the New Zealand team in the forthcoming game. Santner has been in fine form in recent games and will be looking to make the most of it.
SL vs NZ Key Factors
Pitch Conditions
The game will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla. The venue is not known for producing high-scoring games. The average first innings total at this venue is a modest 216 runs.
With conditions favorable for spinners, one can expect a low-scoring game. Both the T20Is were played at the same venue and the batsmen struggled for runs in both of those games.
Form and Fitness
Sri Lanka have a few injury concerns going into the first SL vs NZ ODI. Their star allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga is unlikely to play in the series due to a hamstring injury. Kusal Mendis is carrying a niggle as well but is likely to play the series opener.
New Zealand will also be without Lockie Ferguson. The pacer, who picked up a hattrick in the second T20I, has been sidelined with a calf injury. He has been replaced by Adam Milne in the squad.