NZ vs SL match preview

The second ODI of the ongoing NZ vs SL three-match series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be played on Wednesday (January 8). The game will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton.

The Black Caps lead the series after their impressive 9-wicket win in the first ODI. Bowling first, New Zealand bowled out Sri Lanka for just 178 runs.

In reply, they chased down the total in 27 overs losing only 1 wicket. With both groups now we are gearing up for the second ODI NZ vs SL here is the game preview.

NZ vs SL Match Preview – 2nd ODI Tour, Sri Lanka to New Zealand 2024-25:

NZ vs SL Date and Venue:

The upcoming second ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be played on Wednesday (January 8). The NZ vs SL match will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton.

Platoons:

New Zealand:

Mitchell Santner (c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Hay (wk), Tom Latham (wk), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke

Sri Lanka:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka FernandoNishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, We hate FernandoMohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga

NZ vs SL Key Battles

Pathum Nissanka vs Matt Henry:

This is the battle that has the potential to decide the course of the game. While New Zealand will rely on Matt Henry to get them off to a good start, Sri Lanka will expect the same from their opener Pathum Nissanka.

In the first ODI NZ vs SL, Henry managed to dismiss Nissanka for just 9 runs and NZ didn’t look back after that. Henry himself took 4 wickets while conceding only 19 runs in 10 overs. New Zealand’s pace spearhead will be eyeing a similar performance in the second ODI as well.

Nissanka, on the other hand, will try to recover. He looked in good touch in the T20I series where he also played a knock of 90 runs and will want to do well in the upcoming game.

Will Young vs Asitha Fernando:

Another player battle that has the potential to decide the fate of the game. Young has been in terrific form lately. He did well in India where New Zealand recorded a historic 3-0 Test series win before impressing in Sri Lanka as well.

In the only Test he played against England at home last month, Young scored 42 and 60, followed by a 50-run knock in the Super Smash and IIn the first ODI against Sri Lanka, he scored an unbeaten 90 and will look to make the most of his form.

The onus will be on Asitha Fernando to ensure Young doesn’t score in the second game. Fernando went clean in the first game and will be desperate to do well in the upcoming game.

Kusal Mendis vs Jacob Duffy:

After the heavy defeat in the first ODI, Sri Lanka will surely rely on Kusal Mendis as they look for a leveling win. Mendis has the ability to win a game on his own and will be looking to turn things around after scoring only 2 runs in the first ODI.

He was cleaned out by the in-form Jacob Duffy and the New Zealand pacer will be eyeing more success against Sri Lanka. Duffy had also dismissed Mendis once in the T20I series and will take confidence from that.

NZ vs SL Key Players

NZ – Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy will be some of the key players for New Zealand.

SL – Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Asitha Fernando will be the key players for Sri Lanka.

Conclusion:

A lot will be at stake in the upcoming game and both teams will want to win the match. While a win for New Zealand will enable them to win the series, Sri Lanka need to win the game to keep the series alive.