NZ vs SL Match Prediction - Who will win today's 1st ODI match between New Zealand vs Sri Lanka?

Following an exciting Test series between New Zealand (NZ) and Sri Lanka (SL) the two nations are set to resume the action in the 50-over format when the Kiwis take on the Asian champions in the first of three ODIs at Eden Park on Saturday, March 25. While New Zealand are the overwhelming favourite heading into the ODI series opener, the visitors have shown enough character on the tour to be labelled as the underdogs.

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The home side will be without several first-team players as nine regulars from the ODI squad have been granted clearance to participate in the upcoming edition of the IPL. Meanwhile, it is an entirely different landscape for Sri Lanka, who are fighting for their automatic qualification to the 50-over World Cup later this year.

While the Blackcaps are currently on a five-match winning run in ODIs, their opponents have won just one of their previous five fixtures. The tourists won't get a better chance to topple the Kiwis in their own backyard as they are without several key members for the three-match series.

NZ vs SL Match Details:

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2023

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Date & Time: March 25, 06:30 AM IST

Streaming Details: Prime Video App/Website

NZ vs SL Pitch Report:

The surface in Auckland has traditionally assisted the batters in white-ball cricket. Although there might be some help for the slower bowlers, it remains pretty even throughout the entirety of the match. The team winning the toss would be inclined to bowl first at this venue. 

NZ vs SL Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand (NZ):

Finn Allen, Chad Bowes, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra,  Blair Tickner/Ben Lister, Henry Shipley, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi

Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana

NZ vs SL Probable Best Performers

Probable best batter

Tom Latham:

The Kiwi skipper endured a prolific run with the bat in the 50-over format but has not been able to replicate the same form since the turn of the year. Following his sensational 145* against India last year, the southpaw has had a quiet couple of white-ball series against Pakistan and India, respectively.

Probable best bowler

Wanindu Hasaranga:

Another cricketer who has had an underwhelming 2023 is Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga. The globe-trotting leggie failed to scalp even a single wicket in the three-match ODI series against India earlier this year and will be looking to get among the wickets in the upcoming matches. 

Today's Match Prediction: New Zealand to win the match

Check Here: NZ vs SL Dream11 Team Today

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.