Sri Lanka plans to improve in the second One Day International (ODI) to stay alive in the three-match series against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
Apart from Avishka Fernando’s half-century and Janith Liyanage’s contribution, there was no contribution from Matt Henry and the rest of the Sri Lankan team’s batsmen. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra’s opening stand of 93 destroyed the match inside the first 13 overs and New Zealand proved to be a force to be reckoned with in the series opener.
Sri Lanka lack the zip and X-factor in the absence of Mahesh Thiekshana and Matish Pathirana but 178 runs on any day and any wicket will not be enough unless the bowlers deliver something outstanding.
Leading a three-man pace attack, the New Zealand bowlers performed to the best of their ability in overcast conditions.
The visitors will need Pathum Nishanka, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis to hit their belts as Hamilton offers similar conditions.
The surfaces are speed-friendly, so the conditions are quite unfamiliar, especially for visitors to the Asian side. A Test win in England would put Sri Lanka in a good position, but with the series over, the visitors will be keen to win the second ODI and take it to the decider in Auckland.
The average first innings score on this ground is 230. Out of the 57 matches played here, the team bowling first has won 30 times.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara and Eshan Malinga
New Zealand ODI Squad: Mitchell Santner (Captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young and Nathan Smith.
