DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka, Nov 9, 2024 (AFP) - New Zealand won the toss and opted
to bat first on Saturday in the first of two Twenty20 matches against Sri
Lanka on Saturday at Dambulla.

The tourists handed young wicketkeeper-batsman Mitchell Hay, 24, his
international debut. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was left out due to calf
stiffness.

"We have got a lot of white ball cricket coming up and we need to build for
that," Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner said.
 
"Sri Lanka are very good at home and they showed that against the West Indies
recently... It's going to be a tough series and challenging conditions."

With clear skies after rain washed out Friday's practice, Sri Lanka opted for
a spin-heavy attack.

Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana will lead the
bowling attack along with two seamers.

"We would have batted first too," Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka said.

"We have been very good in recent months. But that's in the past," he added.

"We would like to back our spinners. We believe the wicket will take turn and
we will depend on them."

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal
Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh
Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh
Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitchell Hay (wk), Glenn Phillips, Tim
Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Will Young.

Umpires: Lyndon Hannibal (SRI) and Raveendra Wimalasiri (SRI)

TV Umpire: Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SRI)

Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)