ABOUT THE MATCH
After New Zealand registered a whopping 423 run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test at Christchurch to claim the Test series 1-0, the two sides will renew their rivalry in the ODI format with the first of three matches held at Mount Maunganui.
Match Preview
The two sides have met 95 times in ODIs with New Zealand winning 45 of those. 41 of the matches have gone to Lanka while 8 matches ended without a result and 1 finished as a tie.
New Zealand Team News
Veteran Martin Guptill has recovered from his injuries and is back in the side along with all-rounders Doug Bracewell and Jimmy Neesham. Corey Anderson has been dropped while Colin de Grandhomme has been rested, giving Bracewell and Neesham a chance to make a case of the all rounder spots in the World Cup squad.
Skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor will take on the run scoring responsibilities as usual. Wicket keeper Tom Latham has been dropped which means Tim Seifert is in line for his ODI debut. If he can add some quick runs with the bat, he can make a case as well for a World Cup berth.
In the bowling department, Trent Boult and Tim Southee will receive support from Ish Sodhee.
Sri Lanka Team News
There has been yet another change in leadership for Sri Lanka with veteran pacer Lasith Malinga announced as the skipper in limited over formats. Malinga has just started featuring again for the national side after being sidelined for over a year with form and fitness issues.
Angelo Mathews - who had also been axed from the squad for fitness issues - has found his way back alongside veteran leg spinner Seekuge Prasanna and veteran batsman Asela Gunaratne. Opener Sadeera Samarawickrama has been dropped with Danushka Gunathilaka coming in instead.
In the bowling department, Akila Dananjaya will continue to miss out due to a suspension because of his bowling action. With Suranga Lakmal dropped, the pace bowling department will comprise of Nuwan Pradeep, Dshmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara, along with Malinga of course.
Pitch Conditions
Cloudy skies expected over the Bay Oval which means it will be a good day for an ODI. The pitch usually supports pacers which means the hosts will have an edge owing to familiar conditions. But posting a 250 par score in the first innings will be key.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to field first.
Our Match Prediction
Expect New Zealand to win this with ease and take a 2-0 lead in the series.
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