New Zealand and Sri Lanka are set to play a 2-match test series starting from 9 March at the Hagley Oval. The series is very pivotal for Sri Lanka in particular as they are yet not out of the WTC Final race. Here is Hagley Oval Christchurch Pitch Report for NZ vs SL 1st Test, Records & Weather Forecast.
Australia is the only team currently who have qualified for the WTC Final 2023. There is a lot depending on the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy as India and Sri Lanka are the only two teams fighting for the second spot.
If Sri Lanka wins both the test matches of the series against New Zealand then they will surely put pressure on India to win the 4th test.
NZ vs SL 1st Test 2023 Date, Time, Venue, and Weather
Date: 9 March to 14 March
Time: 3:30 AM (IST)
Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Weather: It will be typical New Zealand weather with cloud cover throughout the day. Sun won’t be evident throughout the morning but can appear in the afternoon for a while.
Rain won’t be affecting the first test as per the weather reports and we can enjoy the full action of the game.
Christchurch is also a windy place just like other New Zealand cities. The wind speed will be 20kmph to 23KMPH.
Hagley Oval Christchurch Pitch Report for NZ vs SL 1st Test
It is a very lively pitch which stays the same throughout the 5 days of play. It is a tough wicket to bat on for the batsman considering the seam movement throughout the day.
Like other pitches in New Zealand, The Hagley Oval pitch is not a green top. Regardless of the greenery, the pitch offers a lot of help to the seamers and the toss winners should prefer to bowl first on this wicket.
Run scoring is also easy once the ball gets old at this wicket. A set batter can make a lot of difference in this wicket.
Records at the Hagley Oval in Test matches
The first-ever test match at this venue was played between New Zealand and Sri Lanka only on the boxing day of 2014.
- Total matches: 12
- Matches won batting first: 4
- Matches won bowling first: 7
- 1st Inns Average scores: 286
- 2nd Inns Average scores: 305
- 3rd Inns Average scores: 269
- 4th Inns Average scores: 159
- Highest total recorded: 659/6 (158.5 Overs) by NZ vs PAK
- Lowest total recorded: 95/10 (49.2 Overs) by RSA vs NZ
