New Zealand will be hosting Sri Lanka for a 2 Test match series from 9th March 2023. Even though New Zealand are out of contention for the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC), Sri Lanka have the entire final qualification process in their own hands.
The Dimuth Karunaratne led side need to win both their games against New Zealand to book their place in the finals. Australia are the other side who have sealed their place in the finals of the WTC.
Kane Williamson will most likely play the first game even though he is mourning the death of his grandmother. The former Kiwi skipper is in stupendous form and also recently became the leading run-getter of New Zealand in the longest format of the game.
In the Sri Lankan Test outfit, Nishan Madushka and Milan Rathnayake have been called for the Test series and this is their maiden outing for their national sides. As the condition in New Zealand are swing-friendly and pace-friendly, Kasun Rajitha would be a key player to watch out for in the Sri Lankan side.
On the other hand, New Zealand skipper Tim Southee and veteran pacer Neil Wagner will be spearheading the bowling attack of the hosts.
In this article, we take a look at the predicted playing XI, squads and live streaming details of the 1st Test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka:
Predicted Playing XI
New Zealand
Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee (C), Matt Henry, Neil Wagner
Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando
Squads
New Zealand
Tim Southee (C), Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Michael Bracewell, Daryl Mitchell, Scott Kuggeleijn, Will Young, To Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Matt Henry, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner
Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ramesh Mendis, Milan Rathnayake, Chamika Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Nishan Madushka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando
Where to watch the 1st Test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka live on television in India?
The 1st Test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will not be telecasted live on television in India.
Where to watch the live streaming of the 1st Test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in India?
The live streaming of the 1st Test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be done on the Amazon Prime application in India.
