Sat Jan 11 00:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Sri Lanka Elects to Bat First in New Zealand Series Opener
**Wellington, NZ –** Cricket fans are glued to their screens today for the opening match of the Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, a highly anticipated contest. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first against the home side. The match marks the start of a series within the ongoing ICC Test Championship, a two-year competition culminating in a final between the top two teams. New Zealand famously won the inaugural championship in 2021.
The match also serves as a reminder of cricket’s diverse formats. While the Test Championship is the focus today, the article highlights the rich history of the 50-over World Cup (Australia’s the record winner with five titles) and the explosive popularity of Twenty20 cricket, where Australia currently holds the world championship title. Live updates from today’s crucial New Zealand vs Sri Lanka match are available via the live blog.
First Piper 