The second ODI NZ vs SL of the ongoing three-match series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will take place on Wednesday (January 8). The match will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
The Black Caps lead the series after a resounding 9-wicket win in the first ODI. Bowling first, New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by just 178 runs.
In reply, they reduced the total within 27 overs losing just 1 wicket. With both teams now we are gearing up for NZ vs SL second ODI here is the match preview.
NZ vs SL Match Preview – 2nd ODI Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand 2024-25:
NZ vs SL Date and place:
The upcoming second ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be held on Wednesday (January 8). The NZ v SL game will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
Determine:
New Zealand:
Mitchell Santner (c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Hay (ie), Tom Latham (ie), 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, Asitha FernandoMohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga
NZ vs SL Key battles
Pathum Nissanka vs. Matt Henry:
This is a 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 Nissanke.
In NZ vs SL first ODI, Henry managed to dismiss Nissanka for just 9 runs and New Zealand never looked back after that. Henry himself picked 4 wickets while conceding just 19 runs in 10 overs. The New Zealand pace spearhead will also be eyeing a similar performance in the second ODI.
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 match.
Will Young vs Asita Fernando:
Another player battle that has the potential to decide the fate of the game. Young has been in great form lately. He was good in India where New Zealand recorded a historic 3-0 Test series win before impressing in Sri Lanka.
In the only Test he played against England at home last month, Young scored 42 and 60, then followed it up with a 50-run knock in the Super Smash and IHe scored an unbeaten 90 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka and will look to make the most of his form.
The onus will be on Asitha Fernando to make sure Young doesn’t score big in game two. Fernando went wicketless in the first leg and will be desperate to do well in the upcoming game.
Kusal Mendis vs Jacob Duffy:
After a heavy defeat in the first ODI, Sri Lanka will definitely rely on Kusal Mendis as they eye a series win. Mendis has the ability to win the game on his own and will be ready to turn things around after scoring just 2 runs in the first ODI.
The in-form Jacob Duffy completely knocked him down and the New Zealand pacer will be looking for 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
NT – 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 match and both teams will want to win the match. While a New Zealand win will power them up to win the series, Sri Lanka must win the match to keep the series alive.
