The second ODI of the three-match NZ vs SL series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be played on Wednesday (January 8). The match will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
The Black Caps are on top of the series after their stunning 9-wicket win in the first ODI. First, New Zealand bowled out Sri Lanka for just 178 runs.
In reply, they chased down the total in 27 overs losing just 1 wicket. With both TEAMS now gearing up for NZ vs SL 2nd ODI here is the game preview.
NZ vs SL Match Preview – 2nd ODI Tour, Sri Lanka from New Zealand 2024-25:
NZ vs SL Date and Venue:
The 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.
Teams:
New zealand:
Mitchell Santner (c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Hay (week), Tom Latham (week), 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, I hated FernandoMohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga
Key battles NZ vs SL
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 give them a good start, Sri Lanka will expect the same from their opener Pathum Nissanka.
In the first NZ vs SL ODI, Henry managed to dismiss Nissanka for just 9 runs and New Zealand never looked back after that. Henry himself went on to pick 4 wickets while conceding just 19 runs in 10 overs. Pace spearhead New Zealand will be eyeing a similar performance in the second ODI as well.
Nissanka, on the other hand, will be looking to make a comeback. He looked in good touch in the T20I series where he also played a knock of 90 and will be keen 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 great 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 and followed it up with a 50-run knock in the Super Smash game andIn the first ODI against Sri Lanka, he scored an unbeaten 90 and will be looking to make the most of his form.
The onus will be on Asitha Fernando to make sure Young doesn't score big in the second game. Fernando went wicketless in the first game and will be desperate to do well in the next game.
Kusal Mendis vs Jacob Duffy:
After the heavy defeat in the first ODI, Sri Lanka will surely rely on Kusal Mendis as they chase a series-level win. Mendis has the ability to single-handedly win a game and will be keen to turn things around after scoring just 2 runs in the first ODI.
He was disappointed by the in-form Jacob Duffy and the New Zealand pacer will be eyeing more success against Sri Lanka. Duffy also dismissed Mendis once in the T20I series and will take confidence from that.
Key players NZ vs SL
New Zealand – 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:
There will be a lot at stake in the upcoming match and both teams will be eager to win the match. While a win for New Zealand will help them win the series, Sri Lanka need to win the game to keep the series alive.