Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2019: 1st T20I Dream 11 Predictions

Match Details:

The first T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 1 at 1:30 pm GMT.

Team News:

Sri Lanka

As T20s are back, Lasith Malinga will be  back for Sri Lanka, captaining the side. The likes of Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera will do can hit the ball well, while all-rounder Isuru Udana can bring a good haul of points in fantasy games. Niroshan Dickwella is another attacking player who can bring some points.

New Zealand

Though New Zealand have rested a few players, they still boast a strong side. The destructive opening pair of Colin Munro and Martin Guptill can take the game away from the opposition. They have the experience of Tim Southee and the pace of Lockie Ferguson in their bowling. Ross Taylor is another player who cannot be discounted. Colin de Grandhomme, with his all-round abilities be can a good choice for captain in fantasy games.

Predicted Playing XI

Sri Lanka

Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera (wk), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Menids, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Malinga (c), Lakshan Sandakan

New Zealand

Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Tom Bruce, Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (c), Lockie Ferguson

Injury and Availability News:

While there are no injury concerns for either of the teams, New Zealand have rested a few of their big names for the T20 series. Kane Williamson and Trent Boult will not be a part of the tour for New Zealand. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will be boosted by the return of their veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga.

Weather and pitch report

 The Pallekele stadium has generally been good for batting. In fact Australia have previosly posted a mammoth score of 263 on this ground in a 20-over match. But rain seems to affect the match on Sunday with a few thunderstorms expected in the town.

H2H record

The last time Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in a T20 match was back in 2014. Since then, they have played three more matches with all three taken home by the Black Caps.

Dream XI Prediction Team:

Wicket-keepers: K Perera, N Dickwella

Batters: A Fernando, C Munro, R Taylor

All-rounders: I Udana, C d Grandhomme, M Santhner

Bowlers: L Malinga, A Dananjaya, L Ferguson

Captain & Vice-captain: C d Grandhomme, C Munro