Sri Lanka will square off against New Zealand in the first Test of their two-match series from September 18 to 23.
Sri Lanka are coming into the contest after registering a historic win over England in the Oval Test, while New Zealand’s only Test against Afghanistan got abandoned due to wet outfield and consistent rain in Greater Noida.
SL vs NZ 2024: First Test
- Date and Time: September 18-23: 10:00 am IST/ 04:30 am GMT/ 10:00 am local
- Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
Galle International Stadium Pitch Report
The Galle International Stadium, a picturesque venue nestled between the ancient Galle Fort and the Indian Ocean, is a haven for spinners. The pitch, known for its challenging nature, starts off with some assistance for pacers on the first couple of days due to the moisture and humidity. However, this early seam movement and swing rapidly diminishes as the pitch dries out. From Day 3 onwards, spinners take centre stage, extracting sharp turn, bounce, and unpredictable variable bounce from the deteriorating surface, making batting a demanding task.
SL vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Picks:
- Wicketkeeper: Devon Conway
- Batters: Kane Williamsom, Daryl Mitchell, Pathum Nissanka
- All-rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Kamindu Mendis
- Bowlers: Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Asitha Fernando
SL vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:
- Choice 1: Rachin Ravindra (c), Dhananjaya de Silva (vc)
- Choice 2: Mitchell Santner (c), Kamindu Mendis (vc)
Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024, 1st Test – Playing XI of Sri Lanka and New Zealand, Galle Weather Forecast
SL vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Backups:
Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Tom Latham, Kusal Mendis
SL vs NZ Dream11 Team for today’s match (September 18, 04:30 am GMT):
Squads:
Sri Lanka:Â Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Oshada Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake
New Zealand: Tim Southee (c), Glenn Phillips, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Ben Sears