Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st Test Predictions & Tips - Classy Nissanka can take Sri Lanka to victory

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 17 Sep 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 17 Sep 2024

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Sri Lanka poised for victory in the first Test against New Zealand.
Pathum Nissanka in top form after a magnificent performance against England.
New Zealand faces challenges with no recent Test match experience and tough conditions in Galle.

Expired

Pathum Nissanka was in top form in a recent match against England (Getty Images)

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Predictions

Sri Lanka will be in confident mood after their victory over England. Conditions at home will suit the Sri Lankans and given their confidence, I fancy them to win this first Test.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Predictions
Head to Head
Sri Lanka Form
Sri Lanka Injuries & Team News
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Injuries & Team News

Sri Lanka won their last Test match.
Sri Lanka have never lost to New Zealand in Galle before.
Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka scored 66 & 127 runs in his last 2 Test innings.
New Zealand lost their last 2 Test matches.
New Zealand have not played Test cricket since March.
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson scored 50+ runs in his last Test innings.

Head to Head

New Zealand have won four of their last five Test matches against Sri Lanka. Their last encounter happened in 2023 which the Black Caps won. However, New Zealand have never won in Galle before.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka will go into this home Test series against New Zealand full of confidence. They performed very well, better than most expected in a recent series against England.

Despite losing the series 2-1, Sri Lanka did achieve what not many have managed in the past, to win Test match in England. They went into the final game 2-0 but had shown plenty of promising signs in the opening two tests.

After England scored 325 batting first, the visitors conceded a first innings deficit as Dhananjaya de Silva’s 69 and Kamindu Mendis’ 64 took them to 263.

However, a superb bowling performance followed as Lahiru Kumara took 4-21 as the hosts were bowled out for 156. Needing 219 to win, Pathum Nissanka batting magnificently, scoring 127 runs off 124 balls to secure the eight-wicket win.

Sri Lanka Injuries & Team News

Expect a few changes in home conditions. Reports suggest that the hosts could go into the match with three spinners.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand have played no cricket since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Their recent Test match against Afghanistan was rained out without a ball being bowled.

The last time the Black Caps actually played in all whites was in March when they hosted Australia. They lost the series 2-0 at home.

There will be reliance on experienced players such as Tom Latham and Kane Williamson to produce the goods with the bat. Conditions won’t be easy and many of the younger player have not had much exposure to Asian conditions.

New Zealand Injuries & Team News

The Black Caps could also opt for three spinners considering the Galle pitch normally takes plenty of turn.

Verdict

Sri Lanka v New Zealand 1st Test

Sri Lanka are backed to win the first Test with Pathum Nissanka tipped to top score.

Sri Lanka Win

Result

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