Sri Lanka they will be desperate to bounce back when they face New Zealand in the second ODI of the ongoing NZ vs SL series. The penultimate game of the series will be played at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Wednesday (January 8, 2025).
The Islanders suffered a humiliating 9-wicket defeat in the first ODI. Lanka was no match for New Zealand either with the bat or the ball. Batting first, the tourists were set for a modest total of 178 runs. Top scorer Avishka Fernando was the top scorer for Sri Lanka, scoring 56 goals.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry took 4 wickets for just 19 runs in 10 overs. With the bat, New Zealand chased down the total losing just one wicket in less than 27 overs.
With Lanka now looking to win the upcoming match and keep the series alive, we take a look at how Sri Lanka play for the second ODI.
Sri Lanka 11 vs New Zealand – 2nd ODI Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand 2024-25:
Openers: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando
Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando are set to be the openers in the Lanka Playing 11 for the second ODI. The onus will be on the starting duo to give their team a good start in the do-or-die clash.
The in-form Nissanka failed to meet expectations in the first series. After a good outing in the T20Is, the right-handed batsman started the ODI series in a poor way as he was bowled out for just 9 runs. On the other hand, Fernando managed to impress with the bat.
Although no other Lankan player could reach the 40-run mark, Fernando scored a fighting fifty in testing conditions. He scored 56 runs with the help of 6 fours and a six, and will look to score with the bat in the second match as well.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga
Kusal Mendis failed to impress with the bat. The Lankan star was out for just 2 runs. Kamindu Mendis was unlucky to be bowled out for just 3 runs and will be looking at a good knock in the second ODI.
Captain Charith Asalanka could not lead the Lankan Lions from the front in the first NZ vs SL ODI. After a brilliant all-round performance in the third T20I, Asalanka had a memorable outing in the first ODI. Nathan Smith dismissed him for a 5-ball duck and also decided not to bowl any more.
Janith Liyanage was Lanka’s second highest scorer. He scored 36 runs and is set to retain his place in Sri Lanka Playing 11 for the second ODI. Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Wanindu Hasaranga also played handy strokes with the bat.
Wickramasinghe scored 22 runs while Hasaranga scored 35 runs. Chamindu also picked up New Zealand’s only wicket to fall in the game as Hasaranga remained wicketless.
Bowlers: Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando
It looks like Sri Lanka’s bowling line-up of playing 11 for the second ODI will remain the same. Team management is unlikely to tinker with the combination after just one game. The Lankan bowlers will have to do that in the second game NZ vs. SL.
Lahiru Kumara gave away 48 runs in his 6 overs and failed to take a single wicket. On the other hand, Eshan Malinga conceded 41 runs in just 5 overs. However, he is expected to retain his place in Sri Lanka playing 11. Asitha Fernando also failed to impress with the ball as he went wicketless for 33 runs in 6 overs.
