New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips - Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Despite getting annihilated in the 2nd Test, Sri Lanka did throw a fight at the hosts and showcased tremendous courage on occasions. Despite winning their most recent ODI fixture, Sri Lankan cricket team’s recent run in the 50-overs format has been quite disastrous and things don’t look very bright going into this game.

The hosts, on the other side, have been outstanding on home soil and despite their mixed run in recent ODI games, they will start as favourites to romp through the Islanders. With most of their players very experienced at this level, will be tough for Sri Lanka to get away with a positive result, but cricket always tends to throw some great surprises.

Match details

The first of the three ODIs will be played at the Mount Maunganui on January 3rd (Thursday).

The match kick-starts at 6:30 AM IST (2:00 PM local time).

The game will be telecast live on Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 1 HD and live streaming will be available on Hotstar.

Last Five ODIs

New Zealand – L, W, L, W, L

Sri Lanka – W, L, L, L, L

Pitch

A fair track will be rolled out for this game and weather forecast around the stadium is pretty good for cricket. Considering that a high scoring game might as well be on the cards.

Squads

New Zealand

Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tim Seifert (wk), James Neesham, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry

Sri Lanka

Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep, Lasith Malinga (C), Lakshan Sandakan, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Seekkuge Prasanna, Asela Gunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama

Injury and availability updates after the announcement of squads

– NA

Power picks

The experienced campaigner Ross Taylor has been in terrific form of late, registering two centuries and a fifty in his previous four innings. Another facet to be considered is that all of these knocks have come outside New Zealand and he can only be more lethal on home soil.

Captain and Vice-captain selection

Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson is always a big presence and is one of the most consistent sources of runs. He can be trusted blindly for the head-to-head and small leagues, but if you’re looking for something big, the in-form man is Ross Taylor. Thisara Perera and Jimmy Neesham have been pretty good in recent times and can be good picks as the vice-captain.

Playing XI #1 for Head-to-head/Small leagues

Keeper – Niroshan Dickwella

Batsmen – Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Kusal Perera

All-rounders – Thisara Perera (VC), Dhananjaya de Silva, Colin Munro

Bowlers – Lockie Ferguson, Lasith Malinga, Trent Boult

Playing XI #2 for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues

Keeper – Niroshan Dickwella

Batsmen – Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor (C), Martin Guptill, Kusal Perera

All-rounders – Thisara Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva (VC), James Neesham

Bowlers – Ish Sodhi, Lasith Malinga, Trent Boult

Expert advice

If you wish to take a gamble with the captain or the vice-captain selection, Colin Munro and Trent Boult are your two picks. Both the cricketers can win games on their own and when they’re in good nick make a significant impact on the game.

Probable Winners

It is a long shot to expect Sri Lanka to win this as New Zealand are just way too strong at home. They have too much firepower in their line-up and are expected to go 1-0 up in the series.

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