The International Cricket Council (ICC) is all set to host the highly anticipated ICC 2024-25 tournament, a significant event that promises to bring together the best cricketing nations in a series of thrilling matches. With each team vying for victory using new formats to engage fans worldwide, the tournament is expected to be a game-changer. Get ready for intense rivalries like India vs. Pakistan, Australia vs. England, and South Africa vs. New Zealand, matchups that have historically thrilled fans and showcased incredible talent. The excitement for cricket is palpable, and the ICC is working tirelessly to ensure a seamless tournament experience. Stay updated! Visit our website for all the exciting details and everything you need to know about your favourite teams and events.
On December 19, 2024, Pakistan faced South Africa in the second ODI at Newlands, Cape Town. Pakistan batted first, scoring 329 runs, with Mohammad Rizwan making 80, Babar Azam 73, and Kamran Ghulam 63 off 32 balls. South Africa was bowled out for 248 runs in 43.1 overs despite Heinrich Klaasen’s 97 runs. Shaheen Afridi claimed four wickets for 47 runs as Pakistan won by 81, levelling the series at 1-1. On December 20, 2024, Bangladesh confronts West Indies in the third T20 International at Arnos Vale Stadium, St. Vincent. Batting first, they scored 189 for 7, led by Jaker Ali’s impressive 72 off 41 balls, featuring six sixes and three boundaries, while Parvez Hossain Emon added a quick 39 off 21 balls. West Indies scored 109, losing by 80 runs as Bangladesh completed a 3-0 series sweep. Rishad Hossain took three wickets in the ICC series.
On December 21, 2024, Zimbabwe scored 127 against Afghanistan in an ODI (ICC), with Sean Williams top-scoring at 60 runs. AM Ghazanfar took five wickets for 33 runs, and Rashid Khan added 3 for 38, dominating Zimbabwe. Afghanistan chased down 128 runs, finishing at 131 for 2. Sediqullah Atal scored 52 runs, leading to an 8-wicket victory. Afghanistan clinched the series 2-0, exciting fans for their next challenge! On December 22, 2024, at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Pakistan played South Africa in a thrilling third ODI (ICC). Batting first, Pakistan scored 308 for 9 in 47 overs, with Saim Ayub shining with a century of 101 runs off 94 balls. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan also made valuable contributions with 52 and 53 runs, respectively. South Africa fought hard but was all out for 271 in 42 overs, with Heinrich Klaasen scoring a quick 81 runs. Despite his efforts, they fell short against Pakistan in the ICC. Bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem were instrumental, with Afridi taking key wickets. Pakistan won by 36 runs (DLS method), completing a thrilling 3-0 series sweep!
The fourth Test at Melbourne, Australia, was 241 for 4. Usman Khawaja made 57 runs; Marnus Labuschagne has 72. Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar took key wickets for India. The match continues. Pakistan is at 87 for 4 in the Test against South Africa at Centurion in the ICC. Key contributions include Kamran Ghulam’s 23 runs. South Africa’s Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson have taken two wickets each. Zimbabwe is batting at 92 for one against Afghanistan in a Test match (ICC) in Bulawayo. Ben Curran has 68 runs.
Upcoming Hurdles
New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka
On December 28, 2024, at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, the T20 match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is set to be a highlight of the ICC 2024-25 tournament. This match is not just a game; it’s a potential game-changer, with a win boosting confidence and setting the tone for future performances.
Team Analysis
New Zealand presents a formidable team anchored by seasoned players like Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult. Their batting lineup is robust, featuring explosive openers and dependable middle-order batters ready to take charge. But their bowling attack is a real game-changer, with a dynamic mix of pace and spin options that can adapt to any situation. Despite some recent fluctuations in performance, the team’s core strength lies in its experienced players. Though injuries to key athletes can pose challenges, this team has the depth and resilience to thrive under pressure.
Sri Lanka boasts a powerful batting lineup featuring seasoned players like Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka. Their spin attack, spearheaded by Wanindu Hasaranga, ranks among the finest globally. The team’s strength lies in its balance and adaptability, with several all-rounders ensuring exceptional performance. While the middle order has faced some inconsistencies, they have the potential to excel in high-pressure situations. Although the pace bowling department may need further depth and experience, the overall strength of the squad positions them well to perform competitively on the international stage.
Match Preview
New Zealand and Sri Lanka will match at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The weather forecast for the match day indicates partly cloudy conditions with a high of 24°C and a low of 16°C. There is a slight chance of rain, but it will likely clear up by the evening, ensuring a smooth game.
T20 Matches in Head-to-Head
| Categories | New Zealand | Sri Lanka |
| Matches played | 23 | 23 |
| Matches Won | 13 | 9 |
| Matches Lost | 9 | 13 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
New Zealand’s bowlers, spearheaded by Trent Boult, dominated the powerplay, leaving Sri Lanka at just 24 for 5. Glenn Phillips hit 104 off 64 balls, while Shanaka and Rajapaksa added 58 runs. Despite the challenging situation, Sri Lanka showed remarkable resilience.
Pivotal Players
Glenn Phillips (New Zealand): His century was the backbone of New Zealand’s innings, setting a challenging target for Sri Lanka.
Trent Boult (New Zealand): Boult’s exceptional bowling performance, taking four wickets, was instrumental in New Zealand’s victory.
Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka): Shanaka’s 35 off 32 balls provided some resistance, but it wasn’t enough to chase down the target.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Sri Lanka): Rajapaksa’s quickfire 34 off 22 balls added a thrilling dimension to Sri Lanka’s innings, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Impact of the Match on the ICC T20 Series Standings
New Zealand’s thrilling victory has solidified their series lead and ignited a surge of confidence within the team. With this win, their hopes of advancing in the ICC tournament have soared, setting the stage for an exciting path ahead!
Champion Glory
| Dominant Success | New Zealand | Sri Lanka
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| ICC Trophies | 200 ICC Champions Trophy | 1996 ICC ODI World Cup
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| ICC Trophies | 2021 ICC World Test Championship | 2002 ICC Champions Trophy (joint-winners) |
| ICC Trophies | – | 2014 ICC T20 World Cup
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| Other Major Tournaments | 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy | 1996 Asia Cup
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Ancient Records
New Zealand’s performances in the 2024 ICC tournaments were captivating, revealing their strengths and areas where they can elevate their game even further. They’ve repeatedly proven their mettle by reaching the knockout stages of major ICC events, solidifying their reputation as fierce competitors on the world stage. Legendary captains Fleming, McCullum, and Williamson have led the team to great successes, and excitement is building for their next chapter! New Zealand cricket, known for legends like Hadlee and Taylor, recently secured a 3-0 Test series win in India. Mitchell Santner leads a young squad looking to improve in T20s against Sri Lanka. Can they maintain their winning streak?
In 2024, Sri Lanka faced challenges in the ICC T20 World Cup, securing only one victory against the Netherlands with an impressive 83-run win. Despite this highlight, their campaign was brutal, especially with a loss to South Africa. Sri Lanka excelled in the ODI series, sweeping Afghanistan in two matches and winning two out of three against India, delighting their fans. However, they faced challenges against Bangladesh and the West Indies, prompting reflection as they prepare for future tournaments. Sri Lanka excelled in 2024 with a 2-0 ODI win over India, a Test sweep of New Zealand, and a series victory against the West Indies. With Charith Asalanka leading an essentially unchanged team, they aim to maintain this momentum as they head into the ICC series.
Past Rivalry
On November 13, 2024, Sri Lanka emerged victorious against New Zealand by 45 runs in the first ODI held in Dambulla, posting an impressive score of 324 for 5. New Zealand faced a revised target of 221 runs but fell short, managing only 175 for 9. Following this, on November 17, 2024, Sri Lanka triumphed again in the second ODI, limiting New Zealand to just 209 runs, with Mahesh Theekshana shining by taking three wickets for 31 runs. Sri Lanka chased down the target, finishing at 210 for 7, honour to Kusal Mendis’s unbeaten 74. This 3-wicket win via the DLS method gave them a 2-0 series lead. The third ODI on November 19, 2024, was interrupted by rain, resulting in no result. Ultimately, Sri Lanka clinched the series 2-0, with Kusal Mendis rightfully earning the title Player of the Series.
Current Form
New Zealand enters this series with an ODI record that may not fully reflect their potential, primarily due to a limited number of recent matches played in this format. After their narrow defeat to India in the semifinals of the 2023 World Cup, they rebounded strongly with a convincing 2-1 victory over Bangladesh at home, although they faced challenges in Sri Lanka, resulting in a 2-1 loss. In T20I cricket, New Zealand experienced a surprising setback against Afghanistan in the opening round of the T20 World Cup. However, they strengthened their standing with a 1-1 series draw in Sri Lanka, demonstrating their resilience and ability to compete.
Sri Lanka is showcasing exceptional form in ODI cricket, bouncing back impressively after an underwhelming performance in the 2023 World Cup. Their struggles there led to a failure to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025, but they’ve rebounded remarkably. In 2024, Sri Lanka claimed ODI series victories against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, India, West Indies, and New Zealand, with Bangladesh being the only team to manage a win against them. Although they faced an early exit from the T20 World Cup and suffered a 3-0 defeat in a T20I series against India, they bounced back to secure a 2-1 series win over West Indies at home. After that, they drew 1-1 with New Zealand, demonstrating their resilience and competitive spirit.
Tactical Acumen
New Zealand boasts an impressive lineup of dominant pacers and formidable hard hitters, showcasing a well-rounded mix of talent. Their recent Test series (ICC) victory against India has only bolstered their confidence. The Blackcaps made history by triumphing over India on their home turf, proving their prowess on the international stage.
Sri Lanka boasts a significant home advantage and superior experience among its top-order batters compared to New Zealand in the SL vs. NZ matchup. It also has a broader selection of skilled spinners and recently triumphed over New Zealand in the Test series, further solidifying its edge.
Players To Watch Out
Top All-Rounders
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
New Zealand has a strong team of skilled bowlers and powerful hitters. Their recent Test series win against India marking a historic victory on Indian soil and demonstrating their abilities on the international stage.
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)
Captain Mitchell Santner is in remarkable form following the Test series against India. His left-arm spin is set to play a vital role on the Dambulla pitch, which favours spinners. Santner has proven to be a strong asset with the bat.
Top Batting Performers
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Kusal Mendis is in great form, scoring 372 runs in his last 10 matches with an average of 41.33 and a strike rate of 127.39, making him a key player for Sri Lanka.
Mark Chapman (New Zealand)
Mark Chapman has scored 147 runs in his last seven matches, averaging 36.75 with a strike rate of 145.54, adding depth to the New Zealand batting lineup.
Top Bowling Performers
Nuwan Thushara (Sri Lanka)
Nuwan Thushara has notched up 14 wickets in recent matches, boasting an economy rate of 6.57 and an outstanding strike rate of 7.57. This performance establishes him as an exceptional strike bowler, significantly impacting the game.
Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand)
Lockie Ferguson has taken seven wickets in 4 matches at an impressive economy of 4 runs per over and a strike rate of 13.71, making him a significant threat to any batting lineup.
Prediction
New Zealand has a strong cricket team led by experienced players like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, and Mitchell Santner. These players perform well under pressure. The team includes powerful hitters like Glenn Phillips and dependable middle-order players like Williamson. They also have a versatile bowling lineup with both fast and spin bowlers. New Zealand performs best in challenging situations and is determined to win during important matches. Home advantage boosts New Zealand’s support as they enter the T20 World Cup. Despite recent inconsistency, their well-balanced squad may make them a dark horse in the tournament. Success relies on peak performance and overcoming challenges. New Zealand can advance if they leverage their strengths.
Sri Lanka’s experienced players, who have excelled in previous tournaments, make up the squad. Their formidable spin attack, featuring standout talents like Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana, is a significant threat on turning pitches. The team remains resilient despite facing logistical challenges and allegations of unfair treatment during the tournament, such as lengthy travel times and inadequate accommodations. This adversity has tested their resolve but has not diminished their skill. Sri Lanka’s recent T20I form has fluctuated, but they have the talent and experience to compete. In a challenging group with tough opponents like South Africa, they are motivated by recent controversies. Despite some inconsistency, they aim to turn things around and make a strong impact in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Windup
New Zealand is poised to excel in the T20 clash against Sri Lanka! They undoubtedly hold the advantage with a remarkable record of winning over half of their matchups. Nonetheless, Sri Lanka’s recent form and formidable spin attack will challenge New Zealand’s resolve. This match promises fierce competition, but New Zealand’s home advantage gives them the edge. The winning team will secure a crucial lead in the SL vs NZ T20I series, boosting their confidence for the next ICC match. It’s a pivotal moment, and New Zealand is ready to seize victory!
