Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 1st T20I: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

The 1st match of the three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.

The match starts at 7:00 PM local time (7:00 PM IST) (1:30 PM GMT).

This game will be live on Sony Six, Sony Six HD and live streaming is available on SonyLIV.

Preview

The Test series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was a hard-fought one. The visitors were left stunned when the Islanders beat them by six wickets in the first game. However, the Kiwis did well and came back strong in the next game where they won that match by an innings and 65 runs. With this series having finished in a draw, the focus now shifts to the shortest format of the game.

New Zealand will be without Kane Williamson for this series while Sri Lanka will be led by Lasith Malinga. With both the teams looking to experiment keeping the T20 World Cup 2020 in mind, this has got to be an interesting series ahead. There are new faces in both these squads and some of the players are awaiting their debut. Thus, whichever player who gets an opportunity is expected to put his best foot forward and will try to prove his potential.

Weather Report

It is monsoon time in Sri Lanka and we have seen a lot of rain in the Test series as well. Things wouldn’t change much for this series either as rain is forecasted during this match. The chances of precipitation hover between 50 and 60 per cent during the game. While the entire game might not be washed out, we might see a shortened game.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Going by the average first innings total in the last five games at this venue, it seems to be a good track for batting. Teams which have batted first have found more success here. While it’d be advisable to bat first keeping that in mind, the rain factor should also be considered and that might make the captains think otherwise.

Average first innings score: 184 (Last 5 T20Is at this venue)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 3, Tied – 1

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka:

Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Malinga (C), Lahiru Kumara, Lakshan Sandakan

Bench: Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Madushanka, Wanhidu Hasaranga, Kasun Rajitha.

New Zealand:

Martin Guptill, Tim Seifert, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Bruce/Daryl Mitchell, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggelejin, Tim Southee (C), Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi

Bench: Tom Bruce/Daryl Mitchell, Todd Astle, Seth Rance

Top Picks:

Ross Taylor was the most impressive batsman in the practice game that was played against Sri Lanka Board Presidents XI. He must be there in your Dream11 Fantasy team. Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka can be your other top picks.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – R Taylor, Colin Munro, K Perera

Vice-Captain Options – Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, D Shanaka

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – K Perera, T Seifert

Batters – Avishka Fernando (vc), M Guptill, R Taylor (c)

All-Rounders – I Udana, C de Grandhomme, M Santner

Bowlers – L Malinga, A Dananjaya, T Southee

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – N Dickwella

Batters – Kusal Mendis (vc), Colin Munro (c), R Taylor

All-Rounders – D Shanaka, I Udana, C de Grandhomme, M Santner

Bowlers – L Malinga, L Ferguson, I Sodhi

Expert Advice:

Having both Martin Guptill and Colin Munro in the same team isn’t a great idea. While they can potentially take the game away if they bat for a long time, they are inconsistent at times. Thus, you can go ahead with potentially safer options. Also, Scott Kuggeleijn can be considered since he picked up a four-wicket haul in the practice game. But to accommodate him, you’ll have to let go off one of the established players.

Probable Winners:

New Zealand is predicted to win this match.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.