Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2024-25 Series
T20I Series:
The T20I series kicks off on December 28, 2024, at the scenic Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. This format, known for its explosive batting, quick wickets, and edge-of-the-seat thrillers, will set the tone for the entire tour. The three matches are spread across two stunning venues in New Zealand, offering perfect conditions for top-quality cricket.
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T20I Series Schedule:
1st T20I: December 28, 2024, at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui – 11:45 AM IST / 6:15 AM GMT / 7:15 PM LOCAL.
2nd T20I: December 30, 2024, at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui – 11:45 AM IST / 6:15 AM GMT / 7:15 PM LOCAL.
3rd T20I: January 2, 2025, at Saxton Oval, Nelson – 5:45 AM IST / 12:15 AM GMT / 1:15 PM LOCAL.
Bay Oval is known for its batting-friendly pitches, ensuring plenty of boundaries and sixes. Saxton Oval, on the other hand, provides a more balanced surface, which could lead to a closer contest between bat and ball. Fans can expect fireworks from both teams as they compete for early dominance in the series.
ODI Series
After the T20Is, the focus shifts to the ODI series, which begins on January 5, 2025. These matches will test the teams’ ability to adapt to a longer format, where patience and strategy play a key role. The ODI series is also crucial as both teams aim to build momentum for future ICC tournaments.
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ODI Series Schedule:
1st ODI: January 5, 2025, at Hagley Oval, Christchurch – 6:30 AM IST / 1:00 AM GMT / 2:00 PM LOCAL.
2nd ODI: January 8, 2025, at Seddon Park, Hamilton – 6:30 AM IST / 1:00 AM GMT / 2:00 PM LOCAL.
3rd ODI: January 11, 2025, at Eden Park, Auckland – 6:30 AM IST / 1:00 AM GMT / 2:00 PM LOCAL.
| T20I Series Schedule | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | Date | Venue | Local Time (NZ) | Indian Time (IST) | Sri Lanka Time (SLST) |
| 1st T20I | December 28, 2024 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 7:15 PM | 11:45 AM | 11:15 AM |
| 2nd T20I | December 30, 2024 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 7:15 PM | 11:45 AM | 11:15 AM |
| 3rd T20I | January 2, 2025 | Saxton Oval, Nelson | 1:15 PM | 5:45 AM | 5:15 AM |
| ODI Series Schedule | |||||
| Match | Date | Venue | Local Time (NZ) | Indian Time (IST) | Sri Lanka Time (SLST) |
| 1st ODI | January 5, 2025 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 2:00 PM | 6:30 AM | 6:00 AM |
| 2nd ODI | January 8, 2025 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 2:00 PM | 6:30 AM | 6:00 AM |
| 3rd ODI | January 11, 2025 | Eden Park, Auckland | 2:00 PM | 6:30 AM | 6:00 AM |
The venues for the ODI series are iconic in New Zealand cricket. Hagley Oval offers a picturesque setting with a pitch that favours both batsmen and bowlers. Seddon Park and Eden Park are renowned for producing high-scoring matches, especially Eden Park, which has short boundaries that encourage aggressive batting.
Broadcast and Live Streaming: Watch From Anywhere
The Sri Lanka vs New Zealand series will be broadcasted and streamed live across various platforms, ensuring fans worldwide can catch every moment of the action.
India: Matches will be available on Sony Sports Network, with live streaming on the SonyLIV app and website.
Sri Lanka: Fans can tune into Dialog TV Ten Cricket and Sony Sports Ten 5 HD, with online streaming available via SonyLIV.
New Zealand: TVNZ 1 will broadcast the matches live, and TVNZ+ will offer free online streaming.
USA and Canada: Matches will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Australia: Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports will cover the series.
United Kingdom: Fans can watch the games on TNT Sports 1.
With these broadcasting options, fans from all corners of the world can enjoy the series without missing a ball.
SL vs NZ Team Squads:
Both teams have announced balanced squads featuring a mix of seasoned players and emerging stars. These selections aim to provide depth in batting, bowling, and fielding, ensuring flexibility in strategies.
New Zealand Squad:
T20I Captain: Mitchell Santner
ODI Captain: Tom Latham (expected)
Players include Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman.
Sri Lanka Squad:
T20I Captain: Charith Asalanka
ODI Captain: Dasun Shanaka (expected)
Players include Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa.
Both teams have strategically combined explosive batting talent with skilled bowlers, making the series a battle of equals. New Zealand’s home advantage and Sri Lanka’s unpredictable style add an extra layer of intrigue.
Key Players to Watch
Every series has its standout performers, and this one is no different. Here are some players who are expected to shine:
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand): The captain and a seasoned all-rounder, Santner’s leadership and bowling skills are crucial in the T20I series.
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand): Ravindra’s recent form has been phenomenal, making him a key player in both formats.
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): A world-class leg-spinner, Hasaranga’s ability to control the middle overs is vital.
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka): As a consistent run-scorer, Mendis is pivotal to Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
New Zealand and Sri Lanka share a competitive history in T20Is and ODIs. In T20Is, New Zealand has a slight edge, having won 14 of 25 encounters. The last series between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw, highlighting how closely matched they are. In ODIs, the rivalry has been equally intense, with both teams showcasing moments of brilliance.
New Zealand’s recent form has been inconsistent, with mixed results in ICC events and bilateral series. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has shown improvement, particularly in white-ball cricket, where they have demonstrated their potential to challenge top teams.
What to Expect: Thrills and Drama
The Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2024-25 series promises to deliver high-quality cricket, with thrilling moments in both T20Is and ODIs. Fans can look forward to aggressive batting, crafty bowling, and sharp fielding.
The T20Is will bring fast-paced action, while the ODIs will test the teams’ endurance and tactical acumen. The series will not only entertain but also serve as a platform for players to prove their mettle on the international stage.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25 is shaping up to be an unforgettable series for cricket fans. With a packed schedule, top players, and exciting venues, the matches are set to provide nonstop entertainment.
Whether you’re a die-hard cricket enthusiast or a casual viewer, this series has something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, get your subscriptions ready, and prepare to witness some unforgettable cricketing action.