New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, NZ vs SL 2025, Today Match Prediction

NZ vs SL Match Prediction & Analysis

New Zealand, fresh from a 2-1 T20I series win over Sri Lanka, are ready to turn their focus to the ODI series kicking off this Sunday. This series offers the home side a valuable chance to gear up for the Champions Trophy scheduled for February. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, who will not participate in that tournament, it will present a chance to restructure their squad for the World Cup and build on the potential they displayed last year.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

NZ

L L L W W

SL

210/7 in 46.0 4.57

SL vs NZ 2024

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 3 wickets (D/L) method 17 Nov 2024

NZ

209/10 in 45.1 4.63

SL

324/5 in 49.2 6.57

SL vs NZ 2024

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 45 runs (D/L) method 13 Nov 2024

NZ

175/9 in 27.0 6.48

NZ

98/10 in 31.4 3.09

NZ vs BAN 2023

Bangladesh beat New Zealand by 9 wickets 23 Dec 2023

BAN

99/1 in 15.1 6.53

NZ

296/3 in 46.2 6.39

NZ vs BAN 2023

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 7 wickets 20 Dec 2023

BAN

291/10 in 49.5 5.84

NZ

239/7 in 30.0 7.97

NZ vs BAN 2023

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 44 runs (D/L) method 17 Dec 2023

BAN

200/9 in 30.0 6.67

SL

W W L W W

SL

210/7 in 46.0 4.57

SL vs NZ 2024

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 3 wickets (D/L) method 17 Nov 2024

NZ

209/10 in 45.1 4.63

SL

324/5 in 49.2 6.57

SL vs NZ 2024

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 45 runs (D/L) method 13 Nov 2024

NZ

175/9 in 27.0 6.48

SL

156/3 in 23.0 6.78

SL vs WI 2024

West Indies beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets (D/L) method 26 Oct 2024

WI

196/2 in 22.0 8.91

SL

190/5 in 38.2 4.96

SL vs WI 2024

Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 5 wickets (D/L) method 23 Oct 2024

WI

189/10 in 36.0 5.25

SL

234/5 in 31.5 7.35

SL vs WI 2024

Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 5 wickets (D/L) method 20 Oct 2024

WI

185/4 in 38.3 4.81

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

New Zealand Preview

New Zealand’s ODI run hasn’t been great lately, with three losses in their last four completed games. However, they’ll draw encouragement from their recent series victory at home against Bangladesh and look to build on that against Sri Lanka.

The batting lineup appears well-suited for home conditions. Will Young, who topped the run charts in their previous ODI series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, will be a key player to watch. Rachin Ravindra, in excellent touch across formats, is expected to step up with a big performance at some point in this series.

Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham, both seasoned campaigners, have been reliable with the bat in recent months and will bolster the middle order.

The bowling attack will look to Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke to strike early. Jacob Duffy, after bagging 8 wickets in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, is likely to get a shot in this series to continue his impressive form.

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

Will Young, Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Hay (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith/ Michael Bracewell

New Zealand Actual Playing XI:

Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Mitchell Hay, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke

Sri Lanka Preview

Sri Lanka’s recent performance in ODIs has been impressive, with three series wins on the trot against India, West Indies, and New Zealand. However, these successes came on home turf, and adapting to overseas conditions in this series will be a real test for the Lankans.

The batting unit is stacked with talent, including Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, and Pathum Nissanka. Mendis and Fernando stand out as key players to watch, with their ability to stabilize the innings and shift gears when the situation demands. Skipper Charith Asalanka offers a steady presence in the middle order and can chip in with his spin, a skill he used effectively against New Zealand in the T20Is.

Dunith Wellalage continues to make a name for himself as a dependable all-rounder, particularly with the bat. 

Wanindu Hasaranga remains their go-to wicket-taker, with Jeffrey Vandersay in strong form as well. Asitha Fernando is expected to spearhead the pace attack, but if he falters, the backup options in the seam department may not provide the same level of threat.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Janith Liyanage

Sri Lanka Actual Playing XI:

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanidu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The Basin Reserve in Wellington is known for its balance between bat and ball in ODI matches. Early on, the pitch assists seamers with movement, especially under overcast conditions. It tends to flatten out as the day progresses, offering good bounce and pace for batters to play their strokes. Spinners might get some grip later in the game. Winning the toss, teams often prefer to bowl first.

The weather in Wellington will be cloudy and windy during the game. There are chances of a few morning showers, which might disrupt or delay the game. 

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

The average score batting first at the Basin Reserve is 217. The highest ODI total posted at the venue is New Zealand’s 318-6 versus Bangladesh, a match they won by 164 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

At the Basin Reserve, out of 30 ODIs, 16 victories have gone to the team that batted first, with 11 wins for those chasing (three games didn't see any result). These stats suggest a slight edge for batting first at this venue. Yet, with the possibility of overcast and windy conditions, captains might lean towards bowling first to exploit the early conditions for some quick wickets.