Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

SL vs NZ 1st T20I Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st T20I Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11 Prediction

Sri Lanka Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne, after his side’s loss in the 2nd Test, criticised his side for confusing ‘freedom’ with swinging at every ball.

Now, Sri Lanka have the freedom to go big with the return of T20I Cricket. With the World T20 just over a year away, both they and New Zealand have the opportunity to fine tune their preparations, despite key players rested and different conditions to what will be encountered in Australia. This is a chance for players to stake a claim, and a big performance will hold them in a great stead.

Also read: Have a Cricket Blog or looking to start one? Check out my Cricket Blogging Tips!

Key to a Sri Lanka win

Sri Lanka have lost eight of their past nine T20Is. Their inconsistency in the format closely mirrors that of their ODI fortunes between the beginning of 2017 through to the World Cup. However, with the likes of Niroshan Dickwella, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka in their ranks, Sri Lanka have the talent to win all three stages of their batting innings. Can they overcome New Zealand’s mix of youth and experience?

Also, Sri Lanka have an opportunity to witness one of their favourite sons – Lasith Malinga – after his retirement from ODIs in July. He is set to play on in T20Is until next year’s World Cup, and Sri Lanka will want more of those lethal yorkers that slow scoring rates and pick up wickets. However, who will support him? Can the likes of Isuru Udana cause trouble on a Pallekele track likely to have some pace and bounce? Who will put their hand up as the spinners in home conditions?

Key to a New Zealand win

Colin Munro returns to his most favoured format. His 27-ball 48 in the recent tour match highlighted the danger he presents in T20s, and his battle with Lasith Malinga could be crucial to the result. A number of other players also have an opportunity to perform with Kane Williamson rested, including the likes of Tom Bruce and Tim Seifert, along with the experienced Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor.

Also read: MyTeam11 vs Dream11 – which platform is better for you?

Also, can Scott Kuggeleijn back up his 4/19 in the tour match? His ability to hit big down the order and bowl effective overs renders him a potentially excellent option for New Zealand going forward. A hard-hitting Sri Lanka lineup will be a good test for him, along with skipper Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, of whom plenty still depends on, despite the good balance in New Zealand’s attack.

Pitch and conditions

The Pallekele track often provides some assistance to seamers, especially under lights. Also, there is a chance of thunderstorms, given the climate at this time of year.

Possible Playing 11

Sri Lanka will likely have to choose between two wristspinners – Wanindu Hasaranga and Lakshan Sandakan. Also, it remains to be seen if Kusal Mendis gets a run.

Sri Lanka: 1. Danushka Gunathilaka, 2. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 3. Avishka Fernando, 4. Kusal Perera, 5. Shehan Jayasuriya, 6. Dasun Shanaka, 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Isuru Udana, 9. Lasith Malinga (c), 10. Kasun Rajitha, 11. Lahiru Kumara/Akila Dananjaya

New Zealand also have a wristspin conundrum. Ish Sodhi or Todd Astle?

New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Tim Seifert (wk), 4. Tom Bruce, 5. Ross Taylor, 6. Colin de Grandhomme, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Todd Astle/Ish Sodhi, 9. Tim Southee (c), 10. Seth Rance, 11. Lockie Ferguson

Fantasy Cricket Prediction

Also read: MyTeam11 vs Dream11 – which platform is better for you?

MyTeam11 (Regular Play) Prediction: Kusal Perera (wk & c), Avishka Fernando, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor (vc), Colin de Grandhomme, Isuru Udana, Mitchell Santner, Lasith Malinga, Lockie Ferguson, Kasun Rajitha, Scott Kuggeleijn

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• Sri Lanka have lost the last three T20Is vs New Zealand (all in New Zealand).
• However, Sri Lanka have won the last two completed T20Is in Pallekele vs New Zealand.
• No bowler has taken 100 T20I wickets. Lasith Malinga needs three to reach this mark.

Match Prediction

Tough match to predict given how even both sides look. If the weather holds, I pick Sri Lanka to take this out in a tight match at home.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: Have a Cricket Blog or looking to start one? Check out my Cricket Blogging Tips!