Cricket fans are in for an exciting clash as New Zealand takes on Sri Lanka in a six-match white-ball series, starting with the first T20I on Saturday, December 28. The match will be held at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

This series marks a new chapter for New Zealand as Mitchell Santner makes his debut as the team's full-time white-ball captain, succeeding Kane Williamson. While Williamson has not retired from international cricket, his decision to decline the central contract has left questions about his T20I future.

New Zealand will face Sri Lanka in the first T20I of a six-match white-ball series on December 28, 2024, at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. This marks Mitchell Santner’s debut as New Zealand’s full-time white-ball captain, succeeding Kane Williamson. Both teams feature exciting talents, including debutant Bevon Jacobs for New Zealand and key players like Wanindu Hasaranga for Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka. Fans can watch the match live on Sony Ten 5 or stream it on SonyLiv, with the action starting at 11:45 AM IST.

Key Players to Watch

New Zealand: The Kiwis will rely on stars like Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, and Matt Henry. Fans will also keep an eye on debutant Bevon Jacobs, a promising talent recently picked by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Sri Lanka: Under Charith Asalanka's captaincy, Sri Lanka has shown significant improvement. Players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Dinesh Chandimal will play crucial roles. Sri Lanka's recent success is partly credited to Sanath Jayasuriya’s leadership as head coach.

Match Details

Date: Saturday, December 28, 2024
Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Match Start Time: 11:45 AM IST
Toss Timing: 11:15 AM IST

Live Streaming and Telecast

Cricket can be watched live on at SonyTen5 channel or stream it online via SonyLiv app.

Squads

New Zealand:

Tim Robinson, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell,Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips,  Mitchell Hay, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Bevon Jacobs, Zakary Foulkes.

Sri Lanka:

Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Avishka Fernando, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Binura Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal.

Prepare for a thrilling cricket encounter as two strong teams compete for dominance. Who will take the lead in this exciting series? Stay tuned! for more updates