NZ vs SL Match Preview
Apart from Angelo Matthews, no other batsmen are playing in the Sri Lankan batting line-up with a consistent batting track record in the one-day format. Even Matthews has not participated in the one-day format for more than 2 years. The Sri Lankan bowling attack is also finding its feet. All this means serious problems for the team. Team selection for the first game was heavily criticized and the decision to leave out Dhananjaya de Silva came in for a lot of flak. But Dhananjaya has contributed little to the team cause after averaging 26 with a strike rate of 78 in 65 ODI appearances.
The New Zealand team on the other hand will be keen to make sure that they finish on top of the Super League table with another win in this match. This will more or less consolidate their claim to be one of the top one-day sides over the last 3 years. However, they lost a series to India 3-0. This second one-day game against Sri Lanka will also be another audition for the kiwi players pressing for a place in the side for the World Cup coming up. The five-wicket haul by Henry Shipley in the first match must have caught the eye of the selectors.
Finn Allen made 51 runs in the first game and Rachin Ravindra scored 49 runs as well lower down the order. The New Zealand team is getting ready for the World Cup with these games offering them an opportunity to fine-tune their skills. the Sri Lankan counterparts, on the other hand, have big holes they have to fill in their game. Rachin Ravindra might be one of the top candidates for New Zealand for the World Cup as he can bat with the tail and can also bowl some good left-arm spin to take crucial wickets.
The batting and bowling capabilities of Rachin Ravindra can come in handy in Indian conditions. During his debut in the opening match against Sri Lanka, he displayed that he is capable of playing a mature inning. Wanindu Hasaranga is one of the top T20 bowlers in the game but he is not as effective in the one-day format. He has gone wicketless in the last 4 games but some people are suggesting that he has great potential with the bat. The fact appears to be that he is lacking consistency with both bat and ball.
Weather Report
There is also the weather forecast for rain coming down during the game and we can expect temperatures in the region of 15 degrees during the game.
Pitch Report
The Hagley Oval ground in Christchurch, New Zealand will be the venue for this match. This ground has hosted as many as 24 one-day games thus far. The average first innings total at the venue is 248 runs. A score in the region of 265 to 275 runs will be a competitive score on this venue.
This is a good track for batting. The surface offers an even bounce and good carry. But there is also a possibility that the curator will leave a bit of grass cover on the track. Faster bowlers may get some movement from the track as a result.
Notable stats
New Zealand leads the recent head-to-head between the two sides comprehensively.
New Zealand leads the recent head-to-head against the Sri Lankan side 5-0. They have won all the last 5 games played against Sri Lanka.
Kasun Rajitha has a terrific recent strike rate with the ball.
Kasun Rajitha has picked up 15 wickets in his last 7 games with a strike rate of 26.20.
Team News
There do not seem to be any injury updates available for this game. But you can expect Sri Lanka to make a few changes to their side and even the kiwis may try out some players in this game with the World Cup in India right around the corner.
NZ vs SL Probable 11
NZ Playing 11
- Finn Allen
- Chad Bowes
- Will Young
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (C)
- Glenn Phillips
- Rachin Ravindra
- Henry Shipley
- Ish Sodhi
- Matt Henry
- Blair Tickner
SL Playing 11
- Nuwanidu Fernando
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (Wk)
- Charith Asalanka
- Angelo Mathews
- Dasun Shanaka (C)
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Kasun Rajitha
- Lahiru Kumara
- Dilshan Madushanka
Dream11 Prediction
In the series-opening game played at Eden Park, New Zealand managed to outplay Sri Lanka in all aspects of the game. New Zealand will have this momentum on their side going into this match. They are certain to have an edge over Sri Lanka in this game as well. But Sri Lanka also has a good all-round team and can bounce back if some key players come good during the match. All-in-all the home team will have the advantage in this game. We will bet with New Zealand to win this match and the series.
Top Picks
Tom Latham: The kiwi skipper is also one of their leading batters. He has scored 235 runs in his last 10 appearances for the side with an average of 33.57 and a strike rate of 89.69.
Kasun Rajitha: Kasun Rajitha has picked up 15 wickets in his last 7 games for Sri Lanka. He is one of their leading bowlers and will be looked upon to provide timely breakthroughs for the team.
Pathum Nissanka: Nissanka has scored 356 runs from his last 8 matches with an average of 50.85 and a strike rate of 80.40.
Henry Shipley: With a five-wicket haul in the first game of the series, Shipley can be expected to inflict more damage on the Sri Lankan side in this game.
NZ vs SL Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: T. Latham , K Mendis
Batters: A. Mathews, G. Phillips, F. Allen, P. Nissanka
All-rounders: D. Shanaka (VC), D. de Silva, D. Mitchell (C)
Bowlers: M. Henry, K. Rajitha
