- Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
- Date: 1st September 2019
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- League: New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka played Bangladesh at home in a 3-match ODI series in July this year. Avishka Fernando and Angelo Matthews were impressive with the bat. In addition, Kusal Perera also impressed with his batting abilities at number 3.
Danushka Gunathilaka, Shehan Jayasuriya and Isuru Udana have crucial roles to play as batting all-rounders. The home team might play two wicket-keeper batsmen and also include Niroshan Dickwella.
Lasith Malinga, who recently retired from ODI cricket, will lead Sri Lanka in the T20I series. As a death-bowling specialist, his presence in the playing XI is a huge factor for the home team. Lahiru Kumara and Akila Dananjaya are also included in the squad. Udana’s T20 experience makes him a good choice for a batting all-rounder in the team.
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand must be happy with their performance in the 2nd Test. NZ are confident and have the winning momentum on their side. They’re a strong T20 side with a good team balance in addition to hitting abilities of their batsmen.
Tim Southee will lead the Blackcaps in T20I against Sri Lanka. Martin Guptill will be eying a revival of his batting form at the top. A total of 7 all-rounders have made it to the squad including Scott Kuggelijn, Colin Munro, Daryll Mitchell and Tom Bruce to name a few.
Tim Seifert is the only wicket-keeper batsmen in the T20I squad for New Zealand. Lockie Ferguson will be leading the pace attack with skipper Southee in absence of Trent Boult. In addition, Todd Astle and Colin de Grandhomme have also made it to the T20I squad.
Match Prediction
New Zealand to win
Fantasy Team Tips
- Kusal Perera is in good form and therefore can be a good choice for wicket-keeper in the fantasy team.
- Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor are the big guns in New Zealand batting order. Colin Munro is also a great batting option for the fantasy XI.
- Avishka Fernando and D Gunathilaka are expected to score runs for Sri Lanka. Kusal Mendis could be an alternative for Gunathilaka.
- Colin de Grandhomme is undoubtedly the best choice for all-rounder in fantasy XI.
- Malinga and Ferguson are the top bowlers from both sides and deserve a spot in the fantasy team.
Fantasy Team Prediction
- Wicket-Keeper – Tim Seifert, Kusal Perera
- Batsmen – Avishka Fernando, D Gunathilaka, M Guptill, R Taylor
- All-rounders – Isuru Udana, Colin de Grandhomme
- Bowlers – Lasith Malinga, Lockie Ferguson, Scott Kuggeleijn
- Captain – Ross Taylor
- Vice-Captain – Avishka Fernando
Tip – To include Mitchell Santner as all-rounder, omit Tim Seifert from the fantasy team.