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

New Zealand comprehensively defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 in the three-match ODI series. Now, the White Ferns will look to assert their dominance in the shortest format when they take on the Lankans in a three-match T20I series.

The first T20I in the three-match series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is set to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Friday, March 14. The Sri Lankans are set for a huge challenge as they face 2024 Women's T20 World Cup champions in their own backyard. This is going to be New Zealand's first T20I assignment since they defeated South Africa in the finals of the marquee event in Dubai.

Sri Lanka failed to qualify beyond the group stage in the Women's T20 World Cup. They suffered defeats in all four of their games against Pakistan, Australia, India, and New Zealand. Chamari Athapaththu will have to have a fantastic series and lead her team from the front for Sri Lanka to have any chances.

Match Details

Pitch Report

The Hagley Oval in Christchurch has hosted two Women's T20Is so far. Both games were won by teams batting first. The average first innings score is 176. However, in all women's T20 matches, the average first innings score is 138. Fans can be expecting runs on this track, while the seamers can get some help when the ball is new.

Click Here: New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Live Cricket Score, 1st T20I

Head-to-Head record

Also Check: New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women 2025 Stats

Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand Women:

Suzie Bates (c), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Georgia Plimmer, Emma McLeod, Bree Illing, Eden Carson, Jess Kerr, Polly Inglis (wk), Fran Jonas, Rosemary Mair.

Sri Lanka Women: 

Harshitha Samarawickrama, Chamari Athapaththu (c),  Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Vishmi Gunaratne, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sachini Nisansala, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Chetan Vimukthi.

Probable Best Performers

Probable Best batter: Georgia Plimmer

Georgia Plimmer finished as the leading run-getter in ODI series. She amassed 140 runs from two innings at an average of 70 and a strike rate of 80.46. In the third ODI, she smashed a brilliant 112 off 120 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes. Plimmer could drop anchor while the other batters will look to bat around her.

Probable Best bowler: Jess Kerr

Jess Kerr was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the ODI series. The right-arm pacer picked up four wickets from three games at an average of 16.50. Her economy rate was a mind-boggling 2.47. Her spell with the new ball is going to be crucial for New Zealand.

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

Scenario 1

• New Zealand Women win the toss and opt to bat first
• Powerplay: 40-50
• NZ-W: 170-180
• New Zealand women win the match

Scenario 2

• Sri Lanka Women win the toss and opt to bat first
• Powerplay: 35-45
• SL-W: 140-150
• New Zealand Women win the match

Disclaimer: The 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.