New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: 2nd ODI, Match Prediction- Who will win the match?

The opening match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui turned out to be a nightmare for the bowlers. The hosts eventually turned up with a score, which turned to be insurmountable for Lasith Malinga and Co. The Lankans would be disappointed though as they surrendered the advantage to the Black Caps after the openers put on a useful partnership.

Even as their batting did reasonably well, the bowling crumbled under pressure and that’s an area of concern for them. The Kiwis, captained by the enigmatic Kane Williamson, undoubtedly, emerged victorious in the opening encounter, but the hosts would want to come up with a better performance with the ball in the second match at the same venue that is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Pitch and Conditions

In the erstwhile match, the pitch at the ground had peanuts to offer to the bowlers and it’s not expected to change even in the next game. On that other day, the batsmen were able to play through the line and on the up owing to the strip’s true bounce.  The bowlers from both the teams would need to pull their socks up and take the field as complacency on their part could see them travel the distance yet another time.

Team Combination

New Zealand

The home team would remain unchanged. Colin Munro and Martin Guptill are the openers with skipper Williamson to bat at number three. The experienced Ross Taylor comes at number four with the left-handed Henry Nicholls to follow. Tim Seifert and the swashbuckling James Neesham are the other batters. Henry, Ferguson and Boult are the fast bowlers with Ish Sodhi being the lone spinner.

Probable XI

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

Sri Lanka

The Lankans may make one change and rope in Dhananjaya de Silva in place of Asela Gunaratne. Dickwella and Gunathilaka are the opening batsmen with the in-form Kusal Perera at number three. Kusal Mendis and Chandimal would bat at number four and five respectively. Thisara Perera would want to do well next time after taking a pounding from Neesham. The bowling lineup remains unchanged.

Probable XI

Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhanajaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Seekkuge Prasanna, Lasith Malinga (C), Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep

Probable Top Performers

Martin Guptill- New Zealand | Kusal Perera– Sri Lanka

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 1 HD

Live Streaming – Hotstar

The prediction is for New Zealand to win the match and the series.