Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first against New Zealand in the opening ODI in Dambulla. Captain Charith Asalanka opted for the bat, anticipating that the pitch would worsen as the match progressed, making batting more challenging. New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner expressed that he had no issues with bowling first, given the possibility of rain later in the day, which could affect the field conditions and bowling performance.
New Zealand’s lineup includes three debutants. Firstly, Tim Robinson, who opens the batting, and wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay both earned their ODI caps after playing in the recent T20I series. Additionally, Nathan Smith, a 26-year-old seam-bowling allrounder, is making his international debut in any format. The team will be without Adam Milne, who replaced the injured Lockie Ferguson, as he arrived only the previous night and wasn’t available for selection. However, Jacob Duffy will join Ish Sodhi, Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips, forming the spin options on a pitch expected to offer turn.
Sri Lanka’s squad features the return of left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka. They’ve been affected by an injury, as Wanindu Hasaranga is ruled out, with Jeffrey Vandersay taking his place in the XI. The team has strong bowling resources, with Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage all capable of contributing with the ball.
Sri Lanka’s lineup: Nissanka, Fernando, Mendis (wk), Samarawickrama, Asalanka (capt), Mendis, Liyanage, Theekshana, Vandersay, Madushanka, Fernando.
New Zealand’s lineup: Robinson, Young, Nicholls, Chapman, Phillips, Hay (wk), Bracewell, Santner (capt), Smith, Sodhi, Duffy.
Leave a Reply