New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 1st Test Match Preview & Prediction

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

THE FACTS

When is New Zealand vs Sri Lanka taking place? Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 – 08:00 (UK)

Where is New Zealand vs Sri Lanka taking place? Hagley Oval, Christchurch

What channel is New Zealand vs Sri Lanka on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport in the UK

Where can I stream New Zealand vs Sri Lanka? BT Sport subscribers in the UK will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport app

LAST MEETING
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 65 runs

THE PREDICTION

New Zealand will be on a high after their dramatic victory over Ben Stokes’ England juggernaut which tied their two-match Test series. They may well benefit from the need of Sri Lanka to deploy an attacking strategy in this opening Test of another two-match series. For the tourists to qualify for the World Test Championship final, they need to win this series 0-2 (alongside India not beating Australia in their upcoming fourth Test), so a draw does them no good. However, New Zealand are a very strong home team and when considering that the Black Caps have won seven of their last nine Tests against Sri Lanka, backing the hosts to win looks the smart move.