On January 5, 2025, New Zealand and Sri Lanka are set to face off in the first One Day International (ODI) match of their series at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. This encounter marks the beginning of a three-match ODI series, following a competitive T20 series where New Zealand secured a 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka.
Match Details:
- Date: January 5, 2025
- Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington
- Start Time: 11:00 AM local time
- Format: 50-over ODI
Team News:
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New Zealand: The Black Caps will be captained by Mitchell Santner, with a squad featuring players like Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, and Matt Henry. Notably, Lockie Ferguson, who recently achieved a hat-trick in a T20 match against Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of the ODI series due to a calf strain. Adam Milne has been called up as his replacement.
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Sri Lanka: Led by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka's lineup includes Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Lahiru Kumara. The team is coming off a morale-boosting win in the third T20I, where Kusal Perera's explosive 101 runs guided them to a 7-run victory over New Zealand.
Recent Form:
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New Zealand: The team has demonstrated strong performances in the T20 series, winning two out of the three matches. Their recent form suggests a well-balanced side, though the absence of Ferguson may impact their bowling attack.
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Sri Lanka: After a challenging start to the T20 series, Sri Lanka rebounded with a significant win in the final match, indicating a resurgence in their form. The upcoming ODI series presents an opportunity for them to build on this momentum.
Key Players to Watch:
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New Zealand:
- Mitchell Santner (c): The captain's leadership and all-round abilities will be crucial for New Zealand's success.
- Matt Henry: As a seasoned bowler, Henry's experience will be vital in containing Sri Lanka's batting lineup.
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Sri Lanka:
- Kusal Mendis: His aggressive batting style can set the tone for Sri Lanka's innings.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: A versatile all-rounder, Hasaranga's skills with both bat and ball make him a key player.
Expectations:
The ODI series is expected to be closely contested, with both teams eager to assert dominance. New Zealand's depth and home advantage may give them an edge, but Sri Lanka's recent victory and the presence of dynamic players like Perera and Hasaranga suggest they will be formidable opponents.
Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting series, with the first ODI on January 5 setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling contest between these two cricketing nations.
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