NZ vs SL Match Prediction - Who will win today's 1st T20I match between New Zealand vs Sri Lanka?

Following the end of the three-match ODI series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, where the hosts registered an emphatic win by winning two out of the three matches of the series, the focus now shifts to the three-match T20I series, which is scheduled to start on Sunday, April 2.

Now, speaking of their recent T20I series performance, Sri Lanka last played against India where they took on the Men in Blue for a three-match series. Despite facing a defeat in that series, the Lions will be keen to change their fortunes with a better showing, when they take on the Black Caps. Interestingly enough, New Zealand, too played against  India in their previous T20I outings, whereby they suffered a humiliating loss at the hands of the Men in Blue. This time around, however, the hosts will look for an improved performance as they will be full of confidence owing to their ODI series win against Sri Lanka.

The first match of the series will be played at Eden Park, and the Black Caps will look for a repeat of the ODI series, and they will come into the series looking to get off to a winning start. The hosts will be led by Tom Latham, and with both sides coming off a T20I series loss to India, they will be desperate to get back to winning ways in the T20 format. Led by Dasun Shanaka, the visitors would look to improve upon their performances from the ODI series.

NZ vs SL Match Details:

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Date & Time: April 2, 06:30 AM IST

Live Streaming: Prime Video 

NZ vs SL Pitch Report:

The pitch at Eden Park is a batter-friendly surface; hence, a high-scoring contest is expected between the two sides. The team batting first will look to post a big total on the board and set up a potentially thrilling run chase. With little to offer for the bowlers, it could prove to be a tough time for the side that bowls first.

NZ vs SL Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand (NZ):

Will Young, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert (wk), Tom Latham (C), Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Henry Shipley, Adam Milne, Matt Henry

Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka

NZ vs SL Probable Best Performers

Probable best batter

Daryl Mitchell: In the Black Caps’ last T20I games, which were against India, Daryl Mitchell was one of the best performers of the series, and with the series against Sri Lanka fast approaching, Mitchell was keen on being at his best and putting out some exceptional performances with the bat.

Probable best bowler

Henry Shipley: Shipley has been in fabulous form as of late, and he will look to continue his performances in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. He was a key player in the hosts' ODI series win, and the team will hope that Shipley will once again be an important player for them in the forthcoming matches.

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

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.