New Zealand will kick off their tour of Sri Lanka with a two-match Test series starting on Wednesday (September 18) at the Galle International Stadium. The series holds immense significance for both teams as they aim to strengthen their position in the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

The Black Caps, currently ranked third in the WTC standings with a percentage of 50, are eager to capitalize on this opportunity. A series victory would significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the WTC final. Sri Lanka, ranked fifth with a percentage of 42.86, are also looking to make a statement and improve their position in the standings.

New Zealand’s preparations for the Sri Lanka tour were disrupted by a washed-out Test match against Afghanistan in Greater Noida. The sub-standard facilities at the venue hampered their plans to acclimatize to Asian conditions.

Sri Lanka, buoyed by their recent victory over England in the third Test at The Oval, will be brimming with confidence. Dhanajaya de Silva’s team will be aiming to continue their momentum and capitalize on home conditions.

SL vs NZ 2024, Fixtures 

1st Test: September 18 – September 23 at 10 am IST/ 04:30 am GMT/ 10:00 am Local
2nd Test: September 26 – September 30 at 10 am IST/ 04:30 am GMT/ 10:00 am Local

Both matches will be played at the Galle International Stadium in Galle.

Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024 – New Zealand’s best XI for the Test series against Sri Lanka

Squads

Sri Lanka: 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: 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

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

India: Sony TEN 1; Jio TV, FanCode
Sri Lanka: ThePapare
New Zealand: Sky Sport 1

Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024 – Sri Lanka’s best XI for the Test series against New Zealand

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