The second ODI of the ongoing three-match NZ vs SL series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be played on Wednesday (January 8). The game will be played at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
The Black Caps lead the series after a 9-wicket win in the first ODI. Bowling first, New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by just 178 runs.
In reply, they bowled out a total of 27 overs for the loss of just 1 wicket. With both teams Now NZ vs SL is getting ready for the second ODI, here is the preview for the game.
NZ vs SL Match Preview – 2nd ODI, New Zealand Sri Lanka tour 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). NZ vs SL 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 (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 a fight that has the potential to determine 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.
NZ vs SL managed to dismiss Henry Nissanka for just 9 runs in the first ODI and New Zealand didn’t look back after that. Henry himself went on to pick 4 wickets while conceding just 19 runs in 10 overs. The New Zealand pace leader will be eyeing a similar performance in the second ODI.
Nissanka, on the contrary, will try to return. He was in good touch in the T20I series where he scored 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. The youngster 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 his only Test at home against England last month, Young scored 42 and 60 and scored 50 runs 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 the youngster does not score big in the second game. Fernando went goalless in the first game and will be desperate to do well in the upcoming game.
Kusal Mendis and Jacob Duffy:
After a heavy defeat in the first ODI, Sri Lanka will surely rely on Kusal Mendis as they look for a series-levelling win. Mendis has the ability to win a game on his own and he will be looking to turn things around after conceding just 2 runs in the first ODI.
He bowled cleanly against the in-form Jacob Duffy and the New Zealander will be more successful against Sri Lanka. Duffy also dismissed Mendis once in the T20I series and will make sure of that.
NZ vs SL Key Players
New Zealand – Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy will be some of New Zealand’s key players.
SL – Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Asitha Fernando will be key players for Sri Lanka.
Result:
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 set them up for a series win, Sri Lanka need to win the game to keep the series alive.
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