Dambulla: Sri Lanka have opted to bat first after winning the toss in the first ODI against New Zealand in Dambulla on Wednesday. The Kiwis have entered the series with a new-look team including three debutants in the opening match of the three-ODI series.
Kiwis will begin their 2025 Champions Trophy preparations with the series in the Island nation. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will not participate in the marquee tournament in Pakistan after finishing ninth in last year’s World Cup in India. Only the top eight teams in the ODI World Cup standings are going to feature in the 2025 CT.
While the Kiwis are playing their first ODI since December last year, SL have done well in the 50-over format this year, winning 10 of the 15 ODIs they have played in 2024.
Only ball of play was possible before rain interrupted the play.
Three debutants for NZ
New Zealand have handed debuts to all-rounder Nathan Smith, opening batter Tim Robinson and wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay in the opening ODI against the Lankan Lions.
Canterbury wicketkeeper-batter Hay is fresh from a remarkable performance in the second T20I at the same venue last week. Hay became the first wicketkeeper in T20s to feature in six dismissals behind the stumps and played a key role in his team’s series-levelling win.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is sidelined after sustaining a calf injury during the second T20. The incident happened shortly after his historic hat-trick. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are missing the services of ace leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who was ruled out from the three-ODI series due to a hamstring injury.
Playing XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI: When and where to watch
When will the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI be played?
The Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI will be played on Wednesday, November 13.
Where will the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI be played?
The Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI will be played in Dambulla.
When will the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI start?
The Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI will begin at 02:30 pm IST.
How to watch Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI in India?
The Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st ODI will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network channel. Live streaming will be available on the SonyLiv app and website and FanCode app and website.
SL vs NZ 1st ODI: All you need to know about the first ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Dambulla. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
