Sri Lanka have chosen to bat, while New Zealand field three ODI debutants.

 Sri Lanka have recalled Dilshan Madushanka, with Jeffrey Vandersay replacing the injured Wanindu Hasaranga.

   Jeffrey Vandersay grins with delight after dismissing Riyal Parag during the Sri Lanka vs India 3rd

  ODI in Colombo on August 7, 2024.

Toss: Sri Lanka opt to bat against New Zealand

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bat in the first ODI against New Zealand in Dambulla. Asalanka mentioned that he expected the pitch to deteriorate as the game progressed, making batting more challenging later on. New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner expressed no concerns about bowling first, noting the possibility of rain and a damp outfield in the evening, which could affect the bowlers' performance.

New Zealand are fielding three debutants in their XI. Opening batter Tim Robinson and wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay make their ODI debuts after featuring in the T20Is over the weekend. Nathan Smith, a 26-year-old seam-bowling allrounder, is also making his first appearance for New Zealand in any format.

Adam Milne, who was called up to replace the injured Lockie Ferguson, arrived in the country just a day before the match and was unavailable for selection. Jacob Duffy will be the other frontline seamer, while the spin options are provided by Ish Sodhi, Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips, with the track expected to assist turn.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have recalled left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka. They’ve also been hit by an injury, with Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out. Jeffrey Vandersay replaces him in the XI. Sri Lanka have a strong bowling lineup, with the top seven featuring multiple options for spin, including Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage.

Sri Lanka XI:  

1. Pathum Nissanka  

2. Avishka Fernando  

3. Kusal Mendis (wk)  

4. Sadeera Samarawickrama  

5. Charith Asalanka (capt)  

6. Kamindu Mendis  

7. Janith Liyanage  

8. Maheesh Theekshana  

9. Jeffrey Vandersay  

10. Dilshan Madushanka  

11. Asitha Fernando  

New Zealand XI:  

1. Tim Robinson  

2. Will Young  

3. Henry Nicholls  

4. Mark Chapman  

5. Glenn Phillips  

6. Mitchell Hay (wk)  

7. Michael Bracewell  

8. Mitchell Santner (capt)  

9. Nathan Smith  

10. Ish Sodhi  

11. Jacob Duffy