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The highly anticipated Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test Series 2024 is set to begin on September 18, 2024, at the Galle International Stadium. As part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, this two-match Test series carries significant importance for both teams as they aim to climb the standings and keep their hopes alive for a place in the WTC final.
Significance of the Series in the World Test Championship
New Zealand enters the series ranked third in the WTC standings with a 50% win percentage. A victory in this series would solidify their position and boost their chances of reaching the final. The Black Caps will be looking to take advantage of this opportunity, especially after their preparations were disrupted by a washed-out Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida.
Sri Lanka, ranked fifth with a 42.86% win percentage, is also competing for crucial points. Fresh off a morale-boosting victory over England in the third Test at The Oval, Dhananjaya de Silva and his team will be aiming to exploit home conditions and continue their winning momentum.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2024 Test Series Fixtures
1st Test
- Date: Wednesday, September 18 – Monday, September 23, 2024
- Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
- Time: 10:00 AM IST | 04:30 AM GMT | 10:00 AM Local
2nd Test
- Date: Thursday, September 26 – Monday, September 30, 2024
- Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
- Time: 10:00 AM IST | 04:30 AM GMT | 10:00 AM Local
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: Squads for the Test Series
Sri Lanka Squad:
- Dhananjaya de Silva (c)
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis
- Angelo Mathews
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Oshada Fernando
- Asitha Fernando
- Vishwa Fernando
- Lahiru Kumara
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Ramesh Mendis
- Jeffrey Vandersay
- Milan Rathnayake
New Zealand Squad:
- Tim Southee (c)
- Glenn Phillips
- Kane Williamson
- Will Young
- Michael Bracewell
- Daryl Mitchell
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mitchell Santner
- Tom Blundell
- Devon Conway
- Tom Latham
- Matt Henry
- William O’Rourke
- Ajaz Patel
- Ben Sears
Key Players to Watch
- Dhananjaya de Silva: Leading Sri Lanka, de Silva's experience and leadership will be pivotal in navigating home conditions and aiming for a series win.
- Kane Williamson: The former New Zealand captain remains one of the most consistent performers in the world, and his contributions will be crucial for New Zealand’s success on the challenging Sri Lankan pitches.
- Prabath Jayasuriya: The left-arm spinner has been Sri Lanka’s go-to bowler in spin-friendly conditions, and his performance will be key to restricting the strong New Zealand batting lineup.
Where to watch Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test Series 2024
Fans from around the world can catch the action live as follows:
- India: TV – Sony TEN 1, Streaming – Jio TV, FanCode
- Sri Lanka: Streaming – ThePapare
- New Zealand: TV – Sky Sport 1
Final Thoughts
With both teams fighting for crucial points in the World Test Championship, the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test Series 2024 promises to be a thrilling encounter. New Zealand will aim to overcome the challenging subcontinent conditions and secure a spot in the WTC final, while Sri Lanka will look to make the most of their home advantage.