Daijiworld Media Network - Hamilton
Hamilton, Jan 8: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The match, reduced to 37 overs per side due to a two-and-a-half-hour rain delay, is being played under overcast conditions that promise assistance for seamers.
Match Adjustments
• Powerplays:
o First powerplay: 8 overs
o Second powerplay: Overs 9-30
o Third powerplay: Final 7 overs
• Bowlers are allowed a maximum of 8 overs each.
Team Changes
• New Zealand:
Wicketkeeper Tom Latham returns from a side strain, replacing Mitch Hay.
• Sri Lanka:
Spinner Maheesh Theekshana comes in for pacer Lahiru Kumara, who struggled in the first ODI.
1st ODI Recap
New Zealand dominated the opening match, where their seamers dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order. Chasing 179, New Zealand cruised to a 9-wicket victory with 142 balls to spare.
Pitch and conditions
Seddon Park, known for its high-scoring nature and relatively small boundaries, might offer some swing to the pacers early on. The damp outfield and potential interruptions from rain could play a role in the outcome.
Playing XIs
New Zealand:
1. Will Young, 2. Rachin Ravindra, 3. Mark Chapman, 4. Daryl Mitchell, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Glenn Phillips, 7. Mitchell Santner (capt), 8. Nathan Smith, 9. Matt Henry, 10. Jacob Duffy, 11. Will O'Rourke
Sri Lanka:
1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Avishka Fernando, 3. Kusal Mendis (wk), 4. Kamindu Mendis, 5. Charith Asalanka (capt), 6. Janith Liyanage, 7. Chamindu Wickramasinghe, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Maheesh Theekshana, 10. Eshan Malinga, 11. Asitha Fernando
With the series at stake, Sri Lanka will be looking to bounce back, while New Zealand aims to seal the series with another commanding performance.