Match Preview
New Zealand is going to host Sri Lanka for a two-match series starting on 9th March.
The first match of the series is going to be played at the Hagley Oval.
Furthermore, New Zealand is just out fresh playing a Test series against England where they did a dramatic turnaround in the 2nd Test.
They were following on in the second Test but finally won the game by a one-run margin.
Therefore, they will be looking to pile up the pressure early on Sri Lanka in the first Test.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka has a fair chance of winning the Test series and qualifying for the World Test Championship final if they play well.
Their last Test series win came against Bangladesh where they beat the hosts 2-0.
Otherwise, they had a dismal summer against Australia and Pakistan at home where they leveled the series 1-1.
Additionally, Sri Lanka would also be hoping that Australia does not lose to India in the 4th Test at Ahmedabad to seal their spot in the final.
They would also have to clean-sweep New Zealand in the Test series.
Thus, we have a great series between these two sides starting on 9th March.
Match Details
Match: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test
Venue: Hagley Oval, New Zealand
Date: 9-13 March 2023
Time: 3:30 AM IST
Pitch Report
The surface of Hagley Oval is suitable for batters therefore, hitters will have a great time out there. Additionally, the pitch also provides even bounce so batters will find it easy to hit their shots. Moreover, pacers will have an advantage in the early overs of the game.
Full Squads for New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test
New Zealand
Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Blair Tickner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Neil Wagner
Sri Lanka
Angelo Matthews, Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Kusal Mendis (wk), Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Nishan Madushka (wk), Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando
Probable Playing XI for New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test
New Zealand
Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee (c), Neil Wagner, Matt Henry
Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Angelo Matthews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara
Probable Winner
From the previous records and team combinations, we can say that the hosts will prevail against the visitors in the first Test.
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