The first One Day International (ODI) between New Zealand’s Black Caps and Sri Lanka at Wellington’s Basin Reserve is not just another cricket game—it’s a vital opportunity for players on the fringes to prove their worth ahead of the Champions Trophy. With the 50-over world event just around the corner in Pakistan and Dubai, every match matters.

The Black Caps are coming into this ODI on a high after a T20 series win against Sri Lanka. Mitchell Santner’s squad has been strengthened with the return of experienced players Tom Latham, Will Young, and Will O’Rourke. This will mark their first international appearance since losing the test series to England in December. Santner noted that the pitch at the Basin Reserve resembles a test wicket due to being under covers for a few days—an uncommon sight as this venue has hosted only six ODIs in the last 20 years.

With seam-friendly conditions expected, New Zealand will likely field four pacers, including Jacob Duffy, who replaces Tim Southee. However, it’s important to note that the Champions Trophy will begin on spin-friendly pitches in Karachi, so today’s lineup might look very different from the one that will face Pakistan next month.

Duffy and Nathan Smith will need to make an impression, especially as their seam counterparts Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke are already confirmed for the Champions Trophy squad. The selectors have a tough task ahead, especially since veterans like Southee have retired and Trent Boult appears to have stepped away from international cricket. This leaves Matt Henry as the most experienced bowler with 82 ODIs under his belt, followed by Lockie Ferguson with 65 games. While Ferguson’s experience is invaluable, his decision to focus on franchise cricket might complicate things. Adam Milne, another seasoned pacer, is also playing in Australia’s Big Bash League but has an injury history that could work against him.

In spin-friendly subcontinental conditions, four seamers in a 15-man squad might be enough, but Dubai’s conditions—where New Zealand could face India again—add another layer of complexity to team selection.

On the batting side, things are more stable. The top eight batters for Karachi are expected to mirror the lineup from the World Cup semifinal loss to India in 2023. Opportunities for new batters have been limited since then, with Mitch Hay being the only one in this series who isn’t already ticketed for Pakistan. Selector Sam Wells hinted that Hay might make it as a specialist batter, which gives him hope as he competes for a spot.

The final squad balance will decide whether selectors prioritize batting, seam bowling, or spin options. If more seam is needed, Jimmy Neesham could return from playing in Nepal’s Premier League. Neesham hasn’t played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup but was part of last year’s T20 squad. For spin support alongside Santner, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra, veteran leg-spinner Ish Sodhi may get the nod after playing against Sri Lanka last November.

Coach Gary Stead explained that narrowing down the squad from 19 or 20 names to 15 will depend on the balance they want for subcontinental conditions. The three ODIs against Sri Lanka are crucial for players to make their case before the final squad is announced.

**Possible Black Caps Champions Trophy Squad:**
Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke.