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Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: Preview, Dream11 and more

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: Preview, Dream11 and more

Sep 01, 2019
04:50 pm

What's the story

After an entertaining two-match Test series that ended 1-1, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are gearing up for an intense T20I series. The first T20I is set to be held today and there are several opportunities present. Kiwis have a better head-to-head record in T20Is against Lanka and that could serve as a crucial aspect. Here's more.

Lanka

Lanka will be hoping to fire under Malinga's leadership

Lanka will be led by veteran speedster Lasith Malinga. The speedster will be wanting to lend a voice and help his side challenge the Kiwis. Lanka had earlier beaten Bangladesh 3-0 in the T20Is in July. The focus will be to build on the same. With the World T20 next year, Lanka will want to make their presence felt. A tough test awaits them.

Kiwis

Southee to lead New Zealand in Williamson's absence

New Zealand's veteran fast bowler Tim Southee has been handed the opportunity to lead the side. Kane Williamson and Trent Boult have been rested for the series. In the practice T20 match against Sri Lanka Board Presidents XI, the Kiwis enjoyed a commanding run and won the game by 33 runs. The idea for NZ will be to carry on with the momentum.

Key players

Key players to watch out for

For New Zealand, the onus will lie on veteran batsman Ross Taylor to give his side the solid base. Scott Kuggeleijn looked impressive in the practice match with figures of 4/19. He will hold key. Lanka will be relying heavily on Malinga. He will want to set an example and be a thorn for NZ.

Dream11

Dream11: A strong side on offer

We have gone in with Colin Munro and Avishka Fernando as the opening batsmen of this Dream11 side. Wicket-keeper batsman Kusal Perera follows suit. The middle order is bolstered by Taylor (captain) and Kusal Mendis. Mitchell Santner and Colin de Grandhomme are the all-rounders. Irusu Udana, Ish Sodhi, Kuggeleijn and Malinga (vice-captain) are the primary bowlers.

Info

Venue, timing, TV listing and pitch report

The match is set to be held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. Cloud cover is expected in an otherwise good day for cricket. The pitch will assist pacers and it remains to be seen how spin comes into play. The match is set to start at 7:00 PM. One can watch the match live on the Sony Ten Network.