Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2019: 1st Test: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

New Zealand and Sri Lanka are set to cross swords in a two-match Test series, which gets underway on August 14 with the opening Test at the Galle International Stadium. The Lankans recently won the ODI series at home versus Bangladesh and it’s time for them to translate the form in the longer format. In their last Test series, the Island nation took down South Africa by a 2-0 margin, defying all the odds.

The conditions will be in their favour and Dimuth Karunaratne and Co would be hoping to make full utilization of the same. The Black Caps, on the other hand, have come prepared with as many as four spinners in their ranks. The Kiwis previously played three Tests in Galle and lost all of them by quite handsome margins. In challenging conditions, the visitors will be looking to put up a decent show.

Match Details:

The 1st game of the two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be hosted by the Galle International Stadium in Galle.

The match starts at 10:00 AM local time (10:00 AM IST) (4:30 PM GMT).

Weather Report

The forecast isn’t a great one by any stretch of the imagination. There will be extreme chance of shower throughout the day. The cloud cover will be in the 90s during game time, which means that the sun won’t be out at any stage. A number of interruptions are on the cards if not a complete washout. It is expected to be cloudy on the following days as well and the rain will keep on playing hide and seek it seems.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Out of the 32 Tests at the venue, 26 have produced results. And in the last seven games at Galle, the team batting last on the strip has lost all of them. Hence, it should be a no-brainer that the sides should opt to bat first after winning the toss. The strip is expected to get slower with the progression of the match and spinners are most likely to dominate the proceedings.

Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka

Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando

Bench- Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Lasith Embuldeniya, Dinesh Chandimal

New Zealand

Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme/Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult, Todd Astle/William Somerville

Bench- Neil Wagner/Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, William Somerville/Todd Astle, Tom Blundell

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Top Picks

Kane Williamson has scored 968 Test runs against Sri Lanka in eight matches at an average of 80.66. He has three centuries to his name, one of which came in Colombo back in November 2012. His top score of 242*, also his overall individual score, came in Wellington back in January 2015.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Akila Dananjaya

Vice-Captain – Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Ajaz Patel

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Kusal Perera, BJ Watling

Batsmen – Dimuth Karunaratne (VC), Kusal Mendis, Kane Williamson (C), Tom Latham, Ross Taylor

All-Rounders – Dhananjaya de Silva

Bowlers – Akila Dananjaya, Trent Boult, Ajaz Patel

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Perera (VC)

Batsmen – Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (C), Henry Nicholls

All-Rounders – Colin de Grandhomme

Bowlers – Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Ajaz Patel

Expert Advice:

Ajaz Patel recently got a five-wicket haul in the warm-up match and is a must in your line-up. Akila Dananjaya won’t be a bad pick as he is a genuine wicket-taker on slow decks.

Probable Winners:

New Zealand should be able to get past the Lankans, though their task won’t be easy.

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