This will be the second ODI of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium will host this game, which will be played at 2:30 PM IST on November 17th, 2024. Sri Lanka won the first match by 45 runs (DLS method).
Sri Lanka continued their good form at home in the first ODI. The batters put on a show and the bowlers never allowed the Kiwi batters to get going. Kusal Mendis (143 runs) and Avishka Fernando (100 runs) led from the front. Dilshan Madushanka picked up 3 wickets. Maheesh Theekshana and Charith Asalanka picked up 2 wickets each. Sri Lanka will be eyeing a series win in this game.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has struggled with their batting in this series. They have been below average with the bat and it’s been the main issue for them. The batters must step up if they are to keep the series alive. Bowlers too need to be disciplined.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage/Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Josh Clarkson/Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy/Adam Milne
This will be the first ODI at Pallekelle since 2020. The pitch here is generally a good one for batting with ample help for the spinners as the game progresses. The Pacers will get movement with the new ball. Scores in the range of 260-280 are expected. Teams may prefer chasing.
The temperature will be 31 degrees Celsius at the start of the match. Rain is expected to interfere in this match as well.
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Avishka Fernando (SL)
Michael Bracewell (NZ)
Mitchell Santner (NZ)
Kusal Mendis (SL)
Charith Asalanka (SL)
Michael Bracewell (NZ)
Mitch Hay (NZ)
Sri Lanka will be the favourites to win this game. Their batters and bowlers have been in excellent form. New Zealand is struggling with the bat and things will be difficult for the visitors.