New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024 Test Series Overview, and WTC 2025 Final Scenarios
The New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024 will feature a two-match Test series, scheduled to be held between September 18 and September 30. Both matches are set to take place at the historic Galle International Stadium, a venue known for its spin-friendly conditions and scenic beauty, which often offers a challenging battleground for visiting teams. The Three Lions are coming off a 2-1 series loss to England while the Kiwis had their one-off Test match against Afghanistan abandoned due to bad pitch conditions.
New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024 Test Schedule
The series kicks off with the 1st Test on September 18 and will run through to September 23, 2024. Following a brief break, the teams will return to the field for the 2nd Test, starting on September 26 and concluding on September 30, 2024. Both matches will begin at 10:00 AM IST and Local time (04:30 AM GMT).
New Zealand will be captained by Tim Southee, leading a well-rounded squad that blends experience and emerging talent. Key players like Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, and all-rounder Daryl Mitchell will be pivotal in stabilizing the batting lineup. The Kiwis will rely on their pace attack, led by Matt Henry and Ben Sears, but they also possess the spin prowess of Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner, crucial assets for exploiting Galle’s turning pitches. Additionally, young star Rachin Ravindra will be one to watch, given his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
While they have yet to announce their squad for the series, Sri Lanka will likely retain a core group from their recent Test series against England. Despite losing two out of three Tests in England, the team, captained by Dhananjaya de Silva, ended on a high note with a win in the third Test. Sri Lanka’s experienced players such as Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, and spin sensation Prabath Jayasuriya are expected to lead the charge in more favorable conditions.
New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024 Squads
New Zealand
Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vc), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Sri Lanka (Potential squad)
Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (vc), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake.
New Zealand and Sri Lanka WTC 2025 Final Scenarios
Both sides are in a tight race to secure points and improve their standings, with the series potentially playing a decisive role in their campaigns to reach the WTC 2025 Final.
Currently, New Zealand sits in third place on the WTC 2025 points table with 36 points from 6 matches and a 50% points percentage (PCT). Having won three and lost three, they are in a solid position but must capitalize on this series to maintain their top-three standing. New Zealand has eight matches left, including this series, and strong performances here could boost their chances of qualifying for the WTC final.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is positioned in fifth place with 36 points from 7 matches and a 42.86% PCT. Despite a slightly lower win percentage, Sri Lanka remains in contention for a spot in the final. With only six matches left, starting with this series, the Sri Lankan team will be desperate for victories on home soil to climb the table and strengthen their hopes of competing for the WTC title.
Both teams have a lot at stake. New Zealand will aim to solidify its position in the top tier of the standings, while Sri Lanka seeks to break into the top four. Given the competitiveness of the WTC, every match, every point, and every win in this series will be crucial in the journey toward the WTC 2025 Final.
New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024 Test Series LIVE Telecast and LIVE Streaming Details
Where to Watch Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Live in India?
For viewers in India, the matches will be available for live streaming on JioTV. Additionally, it will be broadcast live on the Sony Ten 5 HD channel.
