NZ vs SL 2nd Test: Head to Head, Playing XI, Preview, Where to watch online, and Live Streaming Details

New Zealand have a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

Published - 16 Mar 2023, 19:09 IST | Updated - 16 Mar 2023, 18:41 IST

3 Min Read

An impressive last-ball thriller in the first outing saw New Zealand take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. However, both the teams performed exceedingly well throughout the course of the contest which invariably led to the exciting result.

BlackCaps skipper Tim Southee scalped seven wickets in the contest whereas Blair Tickner and Matt Henry too shone with the ball. Moreover, it was former skipper Kane Williamson’s masterclass that earned Kiwis a win in the first Test. Williamson remained unconquered in his 194-ball 121 to snatch the game away from the Lankan Lions.

In addition to seizing the contest away from Sri Lanka, the Kiwis also ended the former’s race in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. In doing so, they handed team India a berth in the summit clash of the mega red-ball finale.

The Lankan Lions will look to seek redemption and get on level terms with the BlackCaps. The two sides lock horns one final time in the red-ball series at the Basin Reserve in Wellington starting on Friday, March 17.

Pitch Conditions

The surface at the Basin Reserve in Wellington is considered to be a brilliant one for the pacers. Therefore, they should enjoy their time out there in the middle and take advantage of the conditions. Batting on this ground is expected to be tricky, however, both sides will look to play delicately in the second Test. Considerable cloud-cover with irregular shower in the morning is likely to take place in the venue, which will provide an extra edge to the pacers.

Probable Playing XI for NZ vs SL, 2nd Test

New Zealand:

With the injury of pacer Neil Wagner, the hosts are likely to field Doug Bracewell in the playing XI for the second red-ball clash. Moreover, the impressive performances by Blair Tickner and Matt Henry in the last outing will see them secure a place in the side for the upcoming match.

Probable Playing XI: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee (c), Matt Henry, Doug Bracewell, Blair Tickner

Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka performed decently well in the previous match at the Hagley Oval. However, they were unable to get to the finish line and will look to produce better performance in the coming game.

Probable Playing XI: Oshada Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Asitha Fernando