Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka could be the best batter in the upcoming game against New Zealand. Nissanka in the last T20I series against the same opponents at home was the highest run-scorer of the series. In two games, he scored 71 runs at an average of 35.50. The 26-year-old will be looking to play the same brand of cricket in the coming series.

New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series starting in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, December 28. The series will kickstart the Mitchell Santner captaincy era in white-ball cricket full-time and having played Sri Lanka last month,

Here's the pre-match analysis of the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I, including playing XI, recent form, head-to-head records, strategy, predictions, and pitch conditions.

As mentioned, Sri Lanka are vying for their maiden T20I series win in New Zealand. The two countries have clashed in only two series comprising three-plus matches in New Zealand (2019 and 2023), both won by the home side.

The 1st New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20I match will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network in India. Simultaneously, one can live stream the NZ vs SL 1st T20I on the SonyLiv app and website.

Follow live coverage of New Zealand vs Sri Lanka from the Sri Lanka in New Zealand 2024/2025 today. The ICC Test Championship sees nine teams compete across a two-year cycle of matches before a two-team final decides the winner.