Hello friends! Today we are going to talk about the ODI series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. This series is not only interesting for cricket fans but also important for both the teams. While New Zealand is preparing for next year’s Champions Trophy, for Sri Lanka this series is an opportunity to carry forward their recent good performance. So let’s know what we can see in this series.
Challenge for New Zealand
Status of New Zealand team
This series is very important for New Zealand. New Zealand has not played a single ODI match since December 2023, which is a long gap of 11 months. In such a situation, this team will take the field to refresh its memories. However, this is nothing new, because the trends regarding ODIs demand more for T20 and Test cricket. Still, New Zealand will take this series as a challenge.
Preparation for Champions Trophy
The New Zealand team is looking at this series as their preparation for the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan in 2025. Although there is confusion about this tournament due to some political reasons, this series is an opportunity for New Zealand to try new players.
Sri Lanka team: With new enthusiasm
Growing strength of Sri Lanka team
Sri Lanka has performed well in their ODI matches in 2024. They have won 10 out of 15 matches, and most of these wins have come on home ground. Sri Lanka has made their strength felt by defeating big teams like India and West Indies in the last few months. Although this team has not been able to qualify for the Champions Trophy, this series is a great opportunity for them to prove their improvement.
Spin pitches for Sri Lanka
The pitches in this series to be held in Sri Lanka will mostly be spin friendly. Like the previous matches, Sri Lanka can prepare dry pitches this time too. On this, the bowlers will get help from spin, and both teams will use spin bowlers a lot in their teams.
Dominance of spin bowlers
New Zealand’s spin strategy
New Zealand has kept many spin bowlers in their team. Captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips will all bowl a lot of overs in this series. All three of these players have the ability to keep their team in the match. This is a good strategy for New Zealand, because spin will be more important against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s spin bowlers
At the same time, Sri Lanka’s team also has some big spin bowlers. Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out due to injury, but Dushan Hemantha has been included in the team in his place. Apart from this, players like Dunith Wellez, Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka can also play their role in bowling. For Sri Lanka, this will be a wave of spinners, which can further increase their strength.
Pitch and weather: What will be the impact?
Pallekele and Dambulla pitches
Matches will be played at Pallekele and Dambulla during the series. Pallekele may receive rainfall due to the northeast monsoon, which may affect the timing of the matches. Dambulla may also be affected by weather conditions, especially now that it is no longer a dry area. Teams will have to prepare their strategies keeping these pitches and weather conditions in mind.
Changes in ODI matches
Interruptions due to weather in ODI matches may prompt teams to play batting second. Especially when the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) rule is in place, chasing may be more advantageous.
Key players and their performances
New Zealand stars
An important player for New Zealand will be captain Mitchell Santner. He can not only change the course of the match with his bowling, but can also strengthen the team with the bat. Apart from them, players like Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips can also play a very important role.
Prospects for Sri Lanka
For Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka and Dunith Welles will be important players. Both these players have the ability to make the team win with their bowling and batting. If both these players perform well, then the chances of victory for Sri Lanka can increase.
Approaches of the teams
New Zealand’s Approach
New Zealand’s approach is clear – they want to try new talents in their team. This series is a preparation for the Champions Trophy, and they will get a chance to test all the players of their team.
Sri Lanka’s Approach
Sri Lanka’s aim is to further strengthen their recent form. After defeating teams like India and West Indies, Sri Lanka will try to perform even better in this series. For them, this series is a chance to strengthen their spin-based strategies.
Rain and DLS: What is going to happen?
Impact of DLS
During the monsoon, when rain may occur, the DLS rule may also have an impact. This ensures that targets can be reset if the match is interrupted. Teams must also keep this rule in mind, especially when they are bowling.
Batting second
If there is an interruption due to rain, teams may find it more advantageous to bat second if they are chasing a target. , then they will have the advantage of DLS, which will allow them to prepare for an accurate target.
Possible results and conclusions
There are different goals for both the teams in this series. While New Zealand wants to prepare its team for the Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka wants to carry forward its good form. This series is going to be a great contest, where spin and pitch conditions will have a big impact. Now it remains to be seen which team overcomes this challenge well.
5 important questions
- When will the ODI series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka start?
- This series will start in late 2024, where both the teams will be busy in their preparations.
- Will Sri Lanka’s pitches be challenging for New Zealand?
- Yes, Sri Lanka’s pitches generally help spin, which can be challenging for New Zealand.
- How much will the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga hurt Sri Lanka?
- Hasaranga’s absence is a big blow for Sri Lanka, but Dushan Hemantha has been given a chance in his place.
- Will the weather affect the matches?
- Yes, there may be rain due to monsoon in Pallekele and Dambulla, which can affect the timing and result of the matches.
- What are the goals of this series for the New Zealand and Sri Lanka teams?
- For New Zealand, this is preparation for the Champions Trophy, while Sri Lanka is looking at this series as a way to carry forward their recent form.