New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Preview: Team News & Prediction | 1st T20 International

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After splitting a short two-match T20i series in November, New Zealand and Sri Lanka face off again in the same format, this time in New Zealand.

Date/Time: Friday December 27th 2024: USA PT – 10:15pm / Saturday December 28th 2024: USA ET – 1:15am / UK – 6:15am

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

Weather: Cloudy with patches of sunshine and temperatures of 27c. 

How To Watch On TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Willow TV 

How To Watch Online: UK – discovery+ / US – Willow TV

New Zealand Betting Analysis

Following a disappointing Test series against England by his high standards, New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra will be desperate to bounce back in this T20i. Playing the shortest form of cricket may well free up Ravindra and allow him to play with a bit more fluidity than what we saw earlier this month in the red ball game. Therefore, bettors should at least consider a stake on him to accumulate over 21.5 match runs here.

Sri Lanka Betting Analysis

Assuming he is fit enough to be selected in the Sri Lankan starting line-up, bowler Matheesha Pathirana could have a big role to play with the ball, especially at the death but also in the powerplay as well potentially. The right-arm pacer’s slingy action is reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, one of the best T20i fast bowlers in the history of Sri Lankan cricket and Pathirana’s wicked changes of pace can prove just as destructive. With that in mind, back the 22-year-old to record 2+ wickets.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Expert Prediction

On paper, New Zealand’s batting line-up looks a little stronger than that of Sri Lanka’s and when you combine that with the Black Caps having home advantage, it puts them in prime position to go on and take a series lead in this game despite the threat posed by the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Back victory for the hosts.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Tip: New Zealand to win