Can NZ stay alive in the series?
A dominant performance from the hosts in the first ODI saw Sri Lanka go 1-0 in the three-match ODI series and now the Kiwis have to win in the second game to keep themselves alive in the series.
Ahead of the second ODI, here’s our match preview and predictions.
The hosts put up a strong performance with the bat in the opening game as, after electing to bat first, they were boosted by twin centuries, from Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis with captain Charith Asalanka’s late fireworks getting Sri Lanka to 324/5. After a bit of rain delay, New Zealand kicked off their chase of 221 in 27 overs, following the DLS method, strongly as Will Young and Tim Robinson gave the Kiwis a good platform. It was Maheesh Theekshana’s twin strikes, to send back both openers that brought the hosts back into the game and some tight stuff from the spinners aided by Dilshan Madushanka cleaning up the tail saw Sri Lanka take a 45 run win.
At Pallekele, it will be spinners’ paradise with the spinners and slow bowlers from both teams licking their lips to have a go at the slow strip and it will be the hosts as the favourites to take the win once again.
Fantasy XI: Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Mark Chapman, Glenn Philips, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mitchell Santner, Matheesha Theekshana, Michael Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Dunith Wellalage
Venue: Pallekele
Winners Prediction: Sri Lanka
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