NZ vs SL Match Analysis

The second ODI of the three-match series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is scheduled for Seddon Park, Hamilton, on January 08, 2024, starting at 07:00 a.m. BST.

New Zealand has been enjoying a great run at home in ODIs. Over the past five years, they have played 15 matches at home, winning 12, losing just 1, and having 2 games end with no result. Against Sri Lanka, they also boast a strong record, securing victory in 4 of their last 7 head-to-head encounters, with 1 match ending in no result.

Sri Lanka are touring New Zealand for a series of three T20Is and three ODIs. Having already lost the T20I series 1-2 to New Zealand, they struggled in the first ODI as well, failing to counter a dominant New Zealand bowling attack and losing the match by 9 wickets with nearly 23 overs to spare. The second ODI will be an intriguing test to see if Sri Lanka can stage a comeback.

NZ vs SL Team Preview & Squads

New Zealand 

New Zealand kicked off the 3-match ODI series with a dominant 9-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. After opting to bowl first, they dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order, leaving them struggling at 4 for 23 by the 10th over. Despite the early collapse, Sri Lanka managed to reach a total of 178 before being bowled out in the 44th over. Matt Henry led the bowling attack brilliantly, taking 4 wickets for just 19 runs, while Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith chipped in with two wickets each.

The chase was smooth and efficient for NZ, who reached the target in just 27 overs with the loss of one wicket. Rachin Ravindra contributed a quick 45 off 36 balls before being dismissed. Will Young starred with an unbeaten 90 off 86 balls, hitting 12 fours, and was well-supported by Mark Chapman, who ensured there were no further hiccups as they sealed the win.

Will Young continues to be a cornerstone of New Zealand’s batting lineup, averaging 88 in his last 7 matches with 440 runs at a strike rate exceeding 95. On the bowling front, Jacob Duffy has been impressive, picking up 9 wickets in his last 6 matches at an excellent economy of 5.42. With such a commanding performance in the first ODI, New Zealand are well-placed and confident to secure the series with a victory in the second match against Sri Lanka.

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand

Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Nathan Smith, Michael Bracewell, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, and Mitchell Hay.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka batted first in the opening ODI after losing the toss. Despite a cautious start, they lost four quick wickets within the first 10 overs, managing just 23 runs. Avishka Fernando and Janith Liyanage formed a crucial partnership, taking the score to 110. Contributions from Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Wanindu Hasaranga lower down the order helped push the total to 178 before they were bowled out in the 44th over. Avishka Fernando top-scored with 56 runs.

While defending, SL struggled to contain New Zealand, conceding 90 runs in the first 12 overs. They managed to take only one wicket as the hosts comfortably chased down the target in the 27th over. Chamindu Wickramasinghe was the lone successful bowler, taking 1 for 28.

Kusal Mendis has been in fine form, averaging 56.29 in his last 9 matches with 394 runs at a strike rate exceeding 90. Avishka Fernando has also been consistent, scoring 346 runs in his last 10 matches at an average of 38.44. In the bowling department, Jeffrey Vandersay has taken 13 wickets in his last 6 matches, while Charith Asalanka has picked up 10 wickets in 9 matches. 

Sri Lanka Squads

Sri Lanka

Charith Asalanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, Jeffrey Vandersay, Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Mohamed Shiraz, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, and Nishan Madushka.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka outfield report

Seddon Park, Hamilton

At this location, the circumstances favor the team bowling first. Rain is not a possibility. The weather is ideal for a game of cricket. The first innings had the best bowling conditions. Both teams’ seamers should be able to take advantage of bowling conditions that favor seam movement off the field. 

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

Sri Lanka won two of the last five meetings, while New Zealand won two.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Prediction

Cricket analysts predict New Zealand has a 75% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.