New Zealand welcomed back Matt Henry for Mitch Santner's debut match as captain.
Toss Report: Sri Lanka opt to bowl against New Zealand
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first against New Zealand in the opening T20I at Mount Maunganui. This match marks the beginning of a three-match T20I series, which will be followed by an ODI series.
With conditions at the Bay Oval expected to favor seam and bounce, both teams have included three frontline pacers in their line-ups. For New Zealand, Matt Henry returns to spearhead the attack after being rested during their recent tour of Sri Lanka. He will be supported by Zakary Foulkes and Jacob Duffy. The match also marks a home debut for Mitch Hay, Tim Robinson, and Foulkes.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have brought back seamer Binura Fernando for his first T20I appearance since March, providing a well-earned break for Asitha Fernando. Sling bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara complete the pace trio. The visitors have opted for a 6-5 combination, with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga bolstering the five-strong bowling unit.
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka’s captain, expressed satisfaction with chasing, noting the pitch looked good for cricket. New Zealand’s skipper Mitchell Santner, leading the team for the first time, was content with batting first but acknowledged the greenish tinge on the surface.
Pristine conditions at Mount Maunganui promise a quick outfield and a lively surface, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
New Zealand Playing XI:
- Tim Robinson, 2. Rachin Ravindra, 3. Daryl Mitchell, 4. Mark Chapman, 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. Michael Bracewell, 7. Mitch Hay (wk), 8. Mitchell Santner (capt), 9. Matt Henry, 10. Zakary Foulkes, 11. Jacob Duffy
Sri Lanka Playing XI:
- Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kusal Mendis (wk), 3. Kusal Perera, 4. Kamindu Mendis, 5. Charith Asalanka (capt), 6. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Binura Fernando, 9. Maheesh Theekshana, 10. Matheesha Pathirana, 11. Nuwan Thushara
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