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Following the Test series, New Zealand and Sri Lanka are set to compete in a three-match ODI series. The first match is slated to take place at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, March 25. New Zealand walk into this contest as clear favourites at 1/3 (1.33) while Sri Lanka have greater odds to win this match at 2/1 (3.00).
Check out NZ’s squad for Sri Lanka ODIs
These odds from Ladbrokes were correct at the time of writing.
- New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI
- March 25, 2023 – 1 AM GMT
- Eden Park, Auckland
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Contents
Eden Park in Auckland is one of the best venues for batting in white-ball cricket. However, seamers should get enough assistance with the new ball. Batting second is more productive here with 46 out of 82 matches being won by the chasing side.
The forecast suggests Auckland should witness partly sunny and pleasant weather on Saturday. There’s less than a 10% chance of precipitation while the temperature hovers around 21° C.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – Match Predictions
New Zealand have dominated Sri Lanka in the fifty-over format in recent years, winning all of the previous five encounters. New Zealand will have a second-string side for this series but still have enough quality to beat the visitors.
Prediction 1
New Zealand to hit most sixes
1/2 (1.50)
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Prediction 2
Henry to be New Zealand's Top Bowler
5/2 (3.50)
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Probable 6s
The Black Caps have some excellent strikers such as Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham. On the other hand, Most of the Sri Lankan batters rely on traditional strokeplay.
Our prediction: New Zealand to hit most sixes in the match at 1/2 (1.50).
Probable Wickets
Matt Henry has a pretty good record in the fifty-over format, with 116 wickets from just 65 ODIs at 25.47 apiece. Back Henry to be New Zealand’s top wicket-taker at 5/2 (3.50). From the Sri Lankan side, Lahiru Kumara could be effective against this line-up. He is a good bet to be the top bowler for Sri Lanka at 15/4 (4.75).
Our prediction: Matt Henry to be New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker at 5/2 (3.50).
Man of the Match
Tom Latham has nearly 3500 runs in ODI cricket at an average of 35 with seven hundreds. You can back Latham at 10/1 (11.00) to be the player of the match. Among others, Daryl Mitchell, Matt Henry, Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga are top betting options.
Our prediction: Tom Latham to be the Man of the Match at 12/1 (13.00).
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Preview
The series is crucial for the Lankan lions as their direct qualification into the world cup depends on it. Let’s take a look at both teams ahead of the first ODI.
New Zealand
The Black Caps last played fifty-over cricket in January, when they lost 3-0 against India. Earlier in the same month, they had defeated Pakistan by 2-1. They have named an inexperienced side with senior players heading to India early for the IPL.
The hosts have a batting unit of Tom Latham, Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls and Glenn Phillips. The bowling attack is likely to comprise Matt Henry, Blair Tickner, Ish Sodhi and Henry Shipley with Lockie Ferguson ruled out.
Squad: Finn Allen, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c/wk), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Blair Tickner, Henry Shipley
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka are eyeing direct qualification into the ODI WC. They have 77 points and a 3-0 victory will secure the spot regardless of what happens in the South Africa-Netherlands series. But the task won’t be easy despite NZ fielding a weaker side.
The visitors’ batting line-up will feature Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka. Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha could be the frontline pacers with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana as the spin duo.
Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha
How to Watch New Zealand vs Sri Lanka ODIs in the UK: Live Streaming & Channel List
The UK viewers can watch the live action of the first ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on BT Sport 3. You can also BT Sport for online streaming on any device.
- BT Sport 3 (TV)
- BT Sport (Streaming)
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