When Sri Lanka plays the first Twenty20 International of the three-match series on Saturday at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, they will be hoping to start their tour of New Zealand with a strong showing.
The tour has started off well for the visitors, who have won both of their warm-up games. They bowled the hosts out for just 94 and chased the target in less than 11 overs against a New Zealand XI in the opening match, winning by 7 wickets. After holding the New Zealand XI to 96/2 and scoring 128/2 in 10 overs, Sri Lanka won the second warm-up by 32 runs.
During the first T20I, Sri Lanka will be trying to replicate these strong performances.Ahead of the match, let’s take a look at Sri Lanka’s likely playing XI for the series opener.
Bay Oval Pitch Report
The pitch at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, is expected to provide some early seam movement for fast bowlers, with potential swing for the pacers. However, once the new-ball period passes, the batters can take advantage of the track’s pace and bounce. Historically, the surface has been great for batting, with an average run rate of 8.71 in 12 Men’s T20Is.
Spinners might find some turn, particularly in the second innings, but they will need to adjust their pace and bowl accurately to be effective. Statistically, teams batting first have won all previous men’s T20Is at this venue, suggesting that the team winning the toss may choose to bat first and set a target.
Bay Oval Stats
| Total Matches | 17 |
| Matches won batting first | 11 |
| Matches won bowling first | 3 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 152 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 133 |
| Highest total recorded | 243/5 (20 Ovs) by NZ vs WI |
| Lowest total recorded | 90/10 (19.4 Ovs) by WIW vs NZW |
| Highest score chased | 117/1 (12.2 Ovs) by NZW vs RSAW |
| Lowest score defended | 110/10 (19.2 Ovs) by BAN vs N |
