Wed Nov 13 10:44:15 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Elects to Bat First in ODI Series Opener Against New Zealand
DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first in the first One Day International (ODI) against a revamped New Zealand team on Wednesday.
The series serves as a crucial preparation for New Zealand ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy, a tournament Sri Lanka missed out on after finishing ninth in last year’s World Cup. While New Zealand hasn’t played an ODI since December 2023, Sri Lanka has enjoyed a strong run in the 50-over format, winning 10 of their last 15 ODIs in 2024.
This match marks the ODI debuts for three New Zealand players: all-rounder Nathan Smith, opening batter Tim Robinson, and wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay. Hay, who previously made a name for himself in T20s, will be looking to build on his success. Notably, New Zealand defended a low score of 108 last week in the T20 series at the same venue.
The series faces challenges with both teams missing key players due to injury. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is sidelined for New Zealand due to a calf injury sustained in the second T20, while Sri Lanka will miss its star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga due to a hamstring injury.
The remaining two ODIs are scheduled for Sunday and next Tuesday at Pallekele.
First Piper 