Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: New Zealand will aim to bounce back and level the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka when they meet for the second ODI on Sunday, November 17, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. After losing the rain-affected first game by 45 runs (DLS method), the Black Caps are looking to address their batting struggles against Sri Lanka’s spinners. Meanwhile, the hosts, brimming with confidence, will seek to seal the series with another strong performance.

Head-to-Head

• Overall Matches: 102
• Sri Lanka Wins: 52
• New Zealand Wins: 42
• No Results: 9

Sri Lanka and New Zealand have had a competitive rivalry, with the Black Caps holding a slight edge overall. However, in recent meetings, New Zealand has been dominant, winning three out of the last five games.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Pitch Report

The Pallekele pitch has historically favored batters but often assists spinners as the game progresses. Batting first is generally advantageous here, with teams setting competitive totals around 280-300. Overcast conditions may offer early swing to pacers.

Last Five Meetings

1. 13 Nov 2024: Sri Lanka won by 45 runs (DLS)
2. 9 Nov 2023: New Zealand won by 5 wickets
3. 31 Mar 2023: New Zealand won by 6 wickets
4. 28 Mar 2023: Match abandoned
5. 25 Mar 2023: New Zealand won by 198 runs

Form Guide

Sri Lanka

• Last 5 Matches: W, W, W, L, W

New Zealand

• Last 5 Matches: L, W, W, L, L

Key Players

Sri Lanka

• Kusal Mendis: The in-form batter smashed a career-best 143 in the first ODI and remains a key figure for Sri Lanka.
• Jeffrey Vandersay: With 10 wickets in his last four matches, Vandersay is a significant threat on spin-friendly pitches.

New Zealand

• Will Young: With a solid recent average of 50, Young is pivotal to New Zealand’s top order.
• Mitchell Santner: The captain and experienced all-rounder needs to lead from the front, especially with the ball.

Squads

Sri Lanka

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, others.

New Zealand

Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, others.

SWOT Analysis for Sri Lanka vs New Zealand

Sri Lanka

Strengths:

• In-form Batting Core: Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando’s recent centuries highlight Sri Lanka’s strong batting depth.
• Spin Dominance: With spinners like Jeffrey Vandersay and Wanindu Hasaranga thriving in home conditions, Sri Lanka can exploit New Zealand’s vulnerability against spin.
• Momentum and Home Advantage: Coming off a convincing win in the first ODI and playing at Pallekele, Sri Lanka enjoys a psychological edge.

Weaknesses:

• Over-reliance on Top Order: If the top order collapses, the middle and lower order might struggle under pressure.
• Inconsistent Pacers: Fast bowlers have been less effective in maintaining discipline and taking early wickets.

Opportunities:

• Series Victory: A win in the second ODI secures the series, adding confidence ahead of future tournaments.
• Experimentation with Squad Depth: With a lead, Sri Lanka can test younger players or try different combinations.

Threats:

• New Zealand’s Counterattack: The Black Caps have quality players who can adapt and bounce back.
• Weather Conditions: Rain interruptions could favor New Zealand again under DLS scenarios.

New Zealand

Strengths:

• Experienced Leadership: Mitchell Santner’s all-round capabilities and tactical acumen provide stability.
• Resilient Top Order: Will Young and Glenn Phillips have the skill to anchor the innings and counter Sri Lanka’s spin threat.
• Improving Bowling Attack: Pacers like Jacob Duffy can exploit early movement on overcast pitches.

Weaknesses:

• Struggles Against Spin: Consistent collapses in the middle overs highlight their weakness against quality spinners.
• Overdependence on Will Young: Other batters need to step up to share the scoring burden.

Opportunities:

• Leveling the Series: A win here keeps the series alive and boosts team morale.
• Adaptation to Conditions: Learning from the first ODI, New Zealand can strategize better against spin.

Threats:

• Sri Lanka’s Spin Web: Vandersay and Hasaranga could again derail the batting lineup.
• Pressure of Chasing: Batting second on a turning pitch could be tricky, especially with DLS looming.

Prediction

Sri Lanka enters the match with momentum, having dominated the first ODI with both bat and ball. New Zealand will need significant contributions from their top order and improved handling of spin to pose a challenge. However, on current form and home advantage, Sri Lanka is favored to clinch the match and the series.

Prediction: Sri Lanka to win and secure the series 2-0.

Follow Thesportsprince.com for latest news and expert insights from the world of cricket.