The Sri Lanka team, led by Charith Asalanka, is expected to make a comeback in the second ODI against New Zealand, which will be played today at Seddon Park, Hamilton. This day/night game will commence at 6:30 a.m. (Sri Lanka time).
New Zealand made a comfortable nine-wicket win in the one-sided affair of the first ODI at Wellington, and they hope to win again to secure an early series victory. However, Sri Lanka want to level the series by winning this game and is determined to fight back and rectify their mistakes. The surface at Seddon Park in Hamilton is batting-friendly, and a high-scoring game is expected. The skipper winning the toss in this second game will most probably opt to bat first, while the weather in Hamilton is more favourable for the visitors, unlike in Wellington, which was very cold during the first ODI last Sunday.
Sri Lanka skipper Asalanka is expecting more contributions from the top-order batters. In the last game, the Black Caps put pressure from the beginning and took four early wickets during the power play. Sri Lanka is more concerned about the performance of their top-order batsmen. Opener Avishka Fernando was the only successful batter in the first ODI, having scored his ninth ODI half-century. He gave a good batting display to build up the innings with Janith Liyanage in a fifth-wicket 87-run stand. However, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, skipper Charith Asalanka, and Kamindu Mendis have big roles to play. Kamindu was unfortunately run out, while the New Zealanders demonstrated a good fielding display. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya pointed out that top-order batters have to stay at the wicket and finish the innings. However, that plan was not executed in the last game, and the early wickets posed a big challenge to the middle order.
The Sri Lanka team management discussed making a few changes in the middle order, with Nishan Madushka and young Dunith Wellalage fighting to enter the team, but they did not finalise their team yesterday and will do it after inspecting the wicket today. Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara are the three seamers, but they have to take early wickets to pose a good challenge, while Wanindu Hasaranga, the key leg spinner, will most likely retain his place. However, they might opt for a spin all-rounder instead of a fast-bowling all-rounder, and it could be either Wellalage or Wickramasinghe, but it is hard to say and will depend on the wicket today.
New Zealand is expected to deliver another strong all-round performance, as they have a solid batting lineup capable of putting up a good score once again. Rachin Ravindra and Will Young gave a sound start in the last game, and the Sri Lankan bowlers face a big challenge to dismiss them as early as possible.
