2nd T20I: Plenty to ponder as New Zealand look to seal series against Sri Lanka
After going one up in the three-match series in a not-so convincing fashion, New Zealand, sans regular captain Kane Williamson, will be eager to iron out inconsistences with the bowling and fielding as the tourists look to seal the three-match Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka in the second match on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Full Schedule | Latest News
Chasing 175 in the previous match, New Zealand lost their openers –Martin Guptill and Colin Munro – inside the Powerplay. It took a gritty effort from Ross Taylor (48) and Colin de Grandhomme (44) as the duo conjured 79 runs for the fourth wicket to bail their side out of trouble. The young Daryl Mitchell then held his nerves in the final stages of the chase and scored an unbeaten 19-ball 25 to take New Zealand over the line.
New Zealand’s bowling has been a concern. Seth Rance, the medium pacer, was plundered in the series opener going for 58 in his four overs. Another question is whether Tom Bruce, the Blackcaps’ best domestic T20 cricketer, be left to warm the bench and will Colin de Grandhomme be persisted at No. 4?
READ: Taylor, de Grandhomme guide New Zealand to five-wicket in Pallekele
Sri Lanka too have their own share of problems. Kusal Mendis’ 79 coupled with some big hitting powered the hosts to a par 174 after opting to bat. However, Sri Lanka’s batting order still remains unpredictable. Add to that, their bowlers were unable to control New Zealand’s batsmen. Barring Wanidu Hasaranga and captain Lasith Malinga, none of them really threatened.
Given the problems both the sides are left to face, it looks to be an evenly matched encounter. Will New Zealand stand-in captain Tim Southee earn his fifth straight win as a captain or will the hosts bounce back. Let’s wait and watch!
Match details
What: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2nd T20I
When: September 3 (Tuesday)
Where: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Weather: Mostly cloudy with a maximum high of 31 degrees Celsius
Time: 7 PM IST
On TV: Star Sports Network (in India)
Live streaming: Hotstar
You can also follow LIVE coverage of the match on CricketCountry (Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2nd T20I: Scorecard)
Sri Lanka
Fast bowler Kasun Rajitha was expensive in the first match going for 44 in his four overs. The team management could replace him with a pacer or an addition spinner.
Probable XI: Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya, Wanidu Hasranga, Lasith Malinga (captain), Lakshan Sandakan/Lahiru Kumara
New Zealand
Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the series with a thumb fracture. However, New Zealand are unlikely to make any changes to the playing XI.
Probable XI: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Tim Seifert, Colin de Grandhomme, Ross Taylor, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Scott Kuggelejin, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Seth Rance
Quotes
“(We have) a great group of guys, a number of young guys coming out and playing with freedom, and also the experienced guys stepping up in crucial moments. It’s a great mix of youth and experience which makes my job easier.” Tim Southee
“They (youngsters) are not experienced under these conditions. They have to take the opportunities. In wet conditions (it is) hard to control the ball. We want to play our best cricket in the next game. The bowlers have to accumulate to wet conditions. Mental preparation is important too.” Lasith Malinga