DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka — In the opening one-day international, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat against a revamped New Zealand team on Wednesday.

This series is significant for New Zealand as it aids in their preparation for next year’s Champions Trophy, a tournament Sri Lanka won’t be part of after finishing in ninth place during last year’s World Cup held in India.

While this marks New Zealand’s return to ODIs since December of the previous year, Sri Lanka has been performing well in the 50-over format, securing victories in 10 of their 15 ODIs played in 2024.

Notably, New Zealand introduced several talents, including all-rounder Nathan Smith, opening batter Tim Robinson, and wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay, who made their ODI debuts.

Mitchell Hay had recently made a mark in T20 formats, becoming the first wicketkeeper to execute six dismissals in a single match, as New Zealand drew their T20 series 1-1 and successfully defended a modest total of 108 in their previous encounter at the same venue last week.

On a less fortunate note for New Zealand, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the series due to a calf injury sustained during the second T20, where he impressively took a hat-trick. Sri Lanka is also facing a setback, missing their star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been sidelined for the three ODIs due to a hamstring issue.

The latter two ODIs of the series are scheduled to take place in Pallekele on Saturday and the following Tuesday.

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**Team Lineups:**

**Sri Lanka:** Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (captain), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando.

**New Zealand:** Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.