Flying high new zealand will take on Sri Lanka in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match NZ vs SL series on Wednesday (January 8, 2025). The crucial game will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
The upcoming NZ vs SL game could decide the fate of the ongoing series. New Zealand lead the series after winning the first game and can take an unassailable 2-0 lead by winning the next game. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will have to win the game at any cost to keep the NZ vs SL series alive.
New Zealand won the first game in Wellington by 9 wickets as they outplayed Sri Lanka completely. Batting first, the visitors were bowled out for just 178 runs. Opener Avishka Fernando top scored for Sri Lanka scoring 56 runs. For New Zealand, Matt Henry starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 19 runs.
In reply, the Black Caps rode on Will Young's unbeaten 90-run knock to chase down the total losing just one wicket. They crossed the finish line in the 27th over. With both teams now preparing for the crucial second game, we look at the weather and pitch report.
NZ vs SL Weather Report & Pitch Report of Seddon Park, Hamilton – 2nd ODI Tour, Sri Lanka in New Zealand 2024-25:
NZ vs SL Weather Report for Hamilton:
The 2nd ODI NZ vs SL will be held in Hamilton and will be a day-night game. The teams are likely to be welcomed by cloudy conditions in Hamilton, although there is no forecast for a tough race. The drizzle might interrupt play for a while, but it's unlikely to spoil the party.
The temperature will be in the 20s for the first half of the game. After sunset, the temperature is expected to fluctuate between 15-20 degrees Celsius.
NZ vs SL Feature Report:
Here are the stats for Seddon Park, Hamilton:
| First ODI match | 15/02/1981 |
| Last ODI Match | 31.03.2023 |
| Matches played | 39 |
| Matches won by the home team | 24 (61.54%) |
| Matches won by Touring Side | 7 (17.95%) |
| Matches won by the neutral side | 5 (12.82%) |
| Matches Won Batting First | 13 (33.33%) |
| Matches won in the second inning | 23 (58.97%) |
| Matches Won Winning draw | 18 (46.15%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 18 (46.15%) |
| Tie matches | 0 (0.00%) |
| No result matches | 3 (7.69%) |
| Highest team innings | 363/4 (West Indies) |
| Smallest team innings | 92 (India) |
| Biggest follow achieved | 350/9 (New Zealand) |
| Average wicket runs | 33.97 |
| Average runs on the Over | 5.3 |
| Average score Batting first | 233 |
The next New Zealand vs Sri Lanka match will be played at Seddon Park. The conditions at Seddon Park will further favor the bowlers and it would not be surprising if the next match turns out to be a low-scoring contest as well.
The first innings total at the venue is 233 runs and anything over 250 is set to be a challenging total. 23 games were won by teams hitting second, compared to 13 wins by teams hitting first. So both New Zealand and Sri Lanka will take note of that.
Incidentally, the last ODI match at this venue was also played between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in 2023. It was a low-scoring game with New Zealand registering a 6-wicket win. The Black Caps bowled out Sri Lanka for just 157 runs before chasing down the total in 33 overs.
Conclusion:
The second ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka promises to be a thrilling affair. With the series at stake, both teams will be looking to win the upcoming game.