New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI, Preview: Another high-scoring thriller awaits at the Bay Oval

A ruthless New Zealand team will be looking to continue the dominance in the 2nd ODI.

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New Zealand ODI team
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New Zealand ODI team. (Photo Source: MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP/Getty Images)

The first ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was a run feast. Nearly 700 runs were scored in the game leaving the aficionadi absolutely entertained throughout. After a gap of two days, the two teams will meet again at the same venue, i.e, the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

The second game of the series yet again guarantees to thrill the fans with as big runs are expected to be scored. The Kiwis will be a confident unit going into this game looking at the way they performed in the last one. Their batsmen were a brilliant act altogether and pulled off a splendid effort.

However, the Lankans weren’t far away either. The top three batsmen in the Sri Lanka line-up were great and provided the side with an ideal start. But, the middle order failed to capitalise on it and hence the visitors failed to get over the line. Also, death over bowling is something they’ve got to address as 73 runs were conceded in the last five overs. 49 of those came just in the last two overs of the game.

Team Combination

New Zealand

New Zealand will look to go for the kill in the 2nd ODI and hence could play with a full-strength squad. Therefore, Tim Southee might come back into the XI in place of Matt Henry who didn’t have a great outing.

The side’s batting looks strong with their top-five batsmen in some tremendous form. James Neesham was terrific with his all-round skills in the last game. He will want to produce consistent performances to solidify the spot for himself.

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

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka might bring Dasun Shanaka back into the XI in place of Asela Gunaratne to strengthen the middle-order. The rest of the side could well be the same. It is important for players like Dinesh Chandimal and Thisara Perera to take the onus in the middle-order and they should bat with more responsibility. Lasith Malinga should rework his bowling plans and figure out better strategies.

Predicted XI: Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Seekkuge Prasanna, Lasith Malinga (C), Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep.

Focus will be on

James Neesham (New Zealand)

Neesham was outstanding in the first ODI. He took only 13 balls to score 47 runs and thus provided New Zealand with an impetus towards the end of the innings. He also had an impact to make with the ball. On the track where run-scoring was quite easy, he only gave away 38 runs in 8 overs and picked up 3 wickets. All eyes will be on him to see if the all-rounder can replicate the same consistency.

Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka)

Kusal Perera scored a century in the first ODI and tried hard to get his team close. However, he perished soon after he reached the three-figure mark and his efforts eventually fell short. Perera will have a bigger role to play in the upcoming match. The left-hander will have to pull off similar efforts to help his team level the series.

Head to Head

Matches – 96 | New Zealand won – 46 | Sri Lanka won – 41 | Tied – 1 | NR – 8

Stats Attack

960 – Runs Colin Munro has scored in his ODI career. He needs to score another 40 runs to get to 1,000 ODI runs.

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports Select 1, Star Sports Select 1 HD

Match Timings: 06:30 IST; 14:00 local

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