SL vs NZ 1st T20I: 4 Key players to dazzle the shortest format

The host Sri Lanka is ready to square off against the World Cup runner up New Zealand for the shortest format of the game T20 International. Their earlier encounter in the form of Test series summarises with a draw between the both teams. The first match of what to be known as their first test of World Test Championship was won by Sri Lanka where they defeated the visitors with six wickets. However, New Zealand made a comeback in the 2nd test and defeated the host dominantly.

Now when it comes to the T20I then both teams ave quite exceptional players who can change the direction of the wind any time. So let’s have a look at the top two players of both teams.

ALSO READ: SL vs NZ 1st T20I | Today match prediction and betting odds

Sri Lanka Key Players

#1 Kusal Perea

Perera is one of the leading run-scorers and getters in T20 international playing at Pallekele. The left hand-batsman has quite an exceptional average and strike rate.

Twenty20 Stats

Total runs in four T20I matches at Pallekele: 165 runs

Batting average: 41.25

Strike rate: 141.02

Total runs vs New Zealand: 96 runs in 3 innings

Strike rate: 168.42

#2 Akila Dananjaya

Avery economical bowler and trusted bowler at Pallekele International stadium ground, Akila has some good records in T20I formats.

Test bowling career average

Wickets in 10 overs at Pallekele: 6 wickets

Total wickets against New Zealand (2012): 4 wickets in two matches

Economy rate: 6.83

Best bowling figure per inning: 2/9

New Zealand Key Players

#1 Colin Munro

Munro is currently the 2nd best batsman of T20 International and he has proved this over and over. In a recent practice match, he made 48 runs in just 27 balls with a strike rate 177.77.

Batting Stats of T20I

Strike rate against Sri Lanka (2013-2019): 180.30

Total runs in four matches: 119 runs

Batting Average: 39.66

Recent Practice match against Sri Lanka Board President XI

Total runs: 48 runs in 27 balls

#2 Lockie Ferguson

Ferguson is one intent and agressive bowler of New Zealand team who often considered as a bowling threat to the opponents.

Overall bowling career in T20I

In 5 innings he took (2017-2019): 10 wickets

He bowled four overs and gave just 21 runs

Against Sri Lanka