Dream11: SL vs NZ Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy Cricket Tips, Today's Playing 11 and Pitch Report for Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25, 1st ODI

SL vs NZ Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy Cricket Tips, Today's Playing 11 and Pitch Report for Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25, 1st ODI

By Ishaan Mahajan

Modified Jan 05, 2025 02:09 IST

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Dream11 Prediction

The 1st ODI match of the Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25 will see Sri Lanka (SL) squaring off against New Zealand (NZ) at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Sunday, January 5. Ahead of this exciting match, here's all you need to know about the SL vs NZ Dream11 Prediction, today's playing 11s, fantasy cricket tips, best player picks and the pitch report.

These two teams recently concluded an ODI series in November. Sri Lanka won that series by 2-0. The last match was abandoned due to rain. Sri Lanka won the second ODI match by three wickets as they chased down the target in just 46 overs.

These two teams have played a total of 105 head-to-head matches. New Zealand have won 52 matches, while Sri Lanka managed to win 43 matches. Nine matches have ended in a no-result while one match has ended in a draw.

SL vs NZ Match Details

The 1st ODI match of the Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25 will be played on January 5 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The game is set to take place at 3:30 AM IST. The live score & commentary of the game can be followed in the Sportskeeda Live Score section.

SL vs NZ, 1st ODI Match

Date and Time: January 5, 2025, 3:30 AM IST

Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington

Pitch Report

The pitch at Basin Reserve in Wellington is good for both batters and bowlers. The team winning the toss should look to bowl first and make the best use of swing in initial overs. The last ODI match played at this venue was between New Zealand and Bangladesh, back in 2021. A total of 472 runs were scored at a loss of 16 wickets.

SL vs NZ Form Guide

SL - N/R W W

NZ - N/R L L

SL vs NZ Probable Playing XI

SL Playing XI

No injury updates

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Nuwanidu Fernando, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka ©, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Lahiru Kumara

NZ Playing XI

No injury updates

Tom Latham (wk), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner ©, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy

SL vs NZ Dream11 Match Top Picks

Wicket-keeper

Kusal Mendis

Kusal Mendis is no doubt the best wicket-keeper pick for today's match. He has smashed 4251 runs in 138 ODI matches. Tom Latham is another good wicket-keeper option for today's match. He has smashed 4099 runs in 147 ODI matches.

Batters

Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka and Rachin Ravindra are the two best batter picks for today's Dream11 team. Pathum Nissanka has smashed 2422 runs in 61 ODI matches. Kamindu Mendis is another good batter for today's match.

All-rounders

Wanindu Hasaranga

Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga are the best all-rounder picks for the Dream11 team. Wanindu Hasaranga was in exceptional form in the T20I series. He has also smashed 919 runs and taken 93 wickets in 58 ODI matches. Daryl Mitchell is another good all-rounder for today's nail-biting match.

Bowlers

Jacob Duffy

The top bowler picks for today's Dream11 team are Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry. Both the bowlers can take a lot of wickets at this pitch. Matt Henry has scalped 141 wickets in 82 ODI matches. Lahiru Kumara is another good bowler for today's nail-biting match.

SL vs NZ match captain and vice-captain choices

Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga is the most crucial pick from Sri Lanka as the pitch is expected to support both bowlers and batters. He will bat in the middle order and complete his quota of overs. He has also smashed 919 runs and taken 93 wickets in 58 ODI matches.

Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra is one of the best picks from the New Zealand squad. He is in top notch form and is expected to play a crucial role with the ball. He will bowl a good number of overs and bat in the top order. He has taken 18 wickets and smashed 820 runs in 25 ODI matches.

5 Must-Picks for SL vs NZ, 1st ODI Match

Wanindu Hasaranga

Pathum Nissanka

Matt Henry

Charith Asalanka

Rachin Ravindra

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Match Expert Tips

As the pitch is expected to be well-balanced, it is advisable to make a team keeping that in mind. Making all-rounders the captain or vice-captain is the best way to gain maximum points and win grand leagues in today's match.