New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

A hapless Sri Lankan team will meet New Zealand for the second ODI on Saturday. Even though there are just a few months left for the World Cup 2019, the Asian team is still struggling to get their combinations right. Despite a few spells of brilliance, they haven’t been able to progress forward as a team which has led to these dreadful times.

The Lankans were completely intimidated by the Blackcaps who were ruthless in their approach in the first game of the series. If not for the fightback from Kusal Perera and Niroshan Dickwella, they would have well bagged a major embarrassment. The bowling, especially in the death, was extremely disappointing from the visitors. The Kiwis will yet again go in as the favourites to win the second ODI.

Match Details

The 2nd of the three-match ODI series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be hosted by the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on 5 January 2019 (Saturday).

The match starts at 02:00 PM local time (01:00 AM GMT), i.e., 06:30 AM IST. The game will be live on Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 1 HD in India. (Live streaming in Hotstar)

Last five ODI matches

New Zealand: W, N/R, L, W, L. (The most recent result on the left)

Sri Lanka: L, W, L, L, L. (The most recent result on the left)

Pitch Condition/Report

The first ODI of the series played at the Bay Oval aggregated 697 runs. This is the 2nd most in an ODI game in New Zealand. The second match that will be played at the same venue might not see any major difference. However, the track here produces grip for the spinners as the game progresses. Even though it wasn’t seen in the first match, it could happen in the second game.

Squads

Sri Lanka

Lasith Malinga (C), Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Asela Gunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Lakshan Sandakan, Seekkuge Prasanna, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara, Sadeera Samarawickrama.

New Zealand

Kane Williamson (C), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.

Injury and Availability Updates after the announcement of the squads:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Power Picks:

In 2018, Thisara Perera scored 415 runs with two fifties and picked 25 wickets three four-fers in 17 ODI matches. However, the all-rounder didn’t have a great start in 2019. He went for 80 runs in his 10 overs even though he picked up two scalps and missed out with the bat as well. The 29-year-old will be eager to bounce back and could be dangerous in the upcoming game.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection

Either Kane Williamson or Ross Taylor can be picked as the captain for your side. These two men are on song at the moment and are consistently getting big scores. Hence, picking either of them could be quite reasonable. Although it is a risky gamble, it pays off having an all-rounder as the vice-captain. Hence, James Neesham could be considered an option. Kusal Perera can be the other choice.

Also Read: Best Test XI of the Year 2018

Playing XI #1 for Head to Head/Small Leagues

Keeper – Niroshan Dickwella

Batsmen – Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera

All-Rounders – Colin Munro, Thisara Perera, James Neesham (vc)

Bowlers – Ish Sodhi, Sekkuge Prasanna, Trent Boult

Playing XI #2 for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Niroshan Dickwella

Batsmen – Kusal Mendis (c), Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Kusal Perera

All-Rounders – James Neesham (vc), Thisara Perera, Colin Munro

Bowlers – Lasith Malinga, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi

Expert Advice

Kusal Mendis as the captain of the side could be a great gamble. He has been the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting across formats and is due for a big one. Ish Sodhi is definitely a strong pick and should be in your XI. If the remaining credits do not bother you, it is advisable to go with an additional spinner as the pitch might have some purchase for them. If you wish, might go for Tim Southee who might get to play the 2nd ODI.

Probable Winners:

New Zealand are already 1-0 up in the series and they are sure to push hard to win the series. Chances of Sri Lanka winning and levelling the series look bleak considering their form in the last few games.

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