SL vs NZ 2024: New Zealand’s best playing XI for the T20I series against Sri Lanka

New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka will begin with a two-match T20I series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The first T20I will be held on Saturday, followed by the second on Sunday, November 10. This short-format face-off will be immediately followed by a three-match ODI series, wrapping up New Zealand’s visit to Sri Lankan soil. The Blackcaps, fresh off a historic Test sweep over India, are expected to bring intensity to their white-ball matches as they take on a Sri Lankan side looking to capitalize on their home conditions.

New Zealand’s historic achievement and squad composition

New Zealand arrive in Sri Lanka riding the momentum of a groundbreaking achievement: a 3-0 Test series sweep over India on Indian soil. This feat not only marked their first Test series win in India but also made them one of the few teams to clean sweep India at home. Leading the white-ball squad is left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who was instrumental in the India series, notably taking 13 wickets in the second Test in Pune. The squad sees the introduction of promising players Nathan Smith and Mitchell Hay, who have impressed in domestic cricket and will be debuting on the international stage.

Key players to watch out for New Zealand

Alongside Santner, New Zealand’s squad boasts experienced players like Glenn Phillips, Will Young, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy and Mark Chapman – all part of the Test series in India. Michael Bracewell, who briefly left the India series, returns to bolster the squad, while the formidable pace of Lockie Ferguson adds firepower. Sri Lanka will need to be strategic in countering New Zealand’s diverse lineup, particularly Santner’s left-arm spin, which proved so effective in subcontinent conditions. This T20I series will mark New Zealand’s first since their disappointing group-stage exit in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies. The Kiwis will be eager to rebound and regain momentum in the shorter format.

Also READ: New Zealand name ODI and T20I squads for Sri Lanka tour; Mitchell Santner to lead the Black Caps

New Zealand’s top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against Sri Lanka

1. Will Young (Opener)

• Young provides stability at the top of the order with his solid technique and experience.
• His ability to rotate strike and play long innings helps anchor New Zealand’s batting lineup.
• Young’s consistency ensures New Zealand gets a steady start, laying the groundwork for others.

2. Henry Nicholls (Opener)

• Nicholls, known for his adaptability, is reliable in handling both pace and spin from the outset.
• His left-handed stance adds variety, helping to unsettle the opposition’s bowling strategies.
• With a blend of caution and aggression, Nicholls complements Young’s style effectively.

3. Glenn Phillips (No. 3)

• Phillips brings explosive power to the top order, able to accelerate the scoring if an early wicket falls.
• His aggressive playstyle puts pressure on the bowlers, shifting momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
• Known for his 360-degree shot range, he’s invaluable in maximizing runs in the powerplay.

4. Mark Chapman (No. 4)

• Chapman is a powerful striker who can stabilize or accelerate depending on the situation.
• His ability to target spinners and find gaps is crucial during the middle overs.
• Versatile and reliable, he’s effective in building partnerships and managing game flow.

5. Dean Foxcroft (No. 5)

• Foxcroft adds depth to the middle order, contributing both with bat and off-spin.
• He’s calm under pressure, allowing him to play anchor or power-hitting roles as needed.
• His all-round skills offer valuable flexibility in subcontinental conditions.

6. Mitchell Santner (Captain & All-Rounder)

• As captain, Santner provides leadership and calm judgment in the field.
• His left-arm spin is a strategic asset, especially effective on turning pitches.
• Santner’s ability to hit big in the lower order makes him a dual threat with both bat and ball.

7. Michael Bracewell (All-Rounder)

• Bracewell’s off-spin and middle-order hitting offer crucial balance and depth.
• His experience and adaptability allow him to adjust his game according to the situation.
• A reliable finisher, he can boost New Zealand’s total with late power hitting.

8. Josh Clarkson (All-Rounder)

• Known for his power-hitting in the lower order, Clarkson can accelerate the score at the death.
• His medium pace adds variety, providing an additional bowling option for Santner.
• A versatile player, Clarkson’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball is an asset in close games.

9. Lockie Ferguson (Fast Bowler)

• Ferguson’s express pace is key to New Zealand’s attack, intimidating opposition batters.
• Known for his effectiveness at the death, he can deliver yorkers and slower balls.
• A genuine wicket-taker, Ferguson can break partnerships and shift game momentum.

10. Jacob Duffy (Fast Bowler)

• Duffy’s ability to swing the ball early makes him a key player in the powerplay overs.
• His disciplined line-and-length controls the run rate, often resulting in breakthroughs.
• Duffy complements Ferguson’s pace, providing balance and stability in the pace attack.

11. Ish Sodhi (Leg Spinner)

• Sodhi’s leg-spin provides New Zealand with a wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
• His variations and turn are especially effective in T20s, keeping batters in check.
• Sodhi’s ability to break partnerships with his clever bowling makes him a match-winner.

Also READ: Sri Lanka unveils squads for the T20I and ODI series against New Zealand; Charith Asalanka to lead