Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 2nd ODI match between SL vs NZ?

The second ODI between Sri Lanka (SL) and New Zealand (NZ) takes place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Sunday, November 17.

Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series as they won the first ODI in Dambulla on Wednesday by 45 runs in a rain-curtailed clash. Centuries from Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando helped the home side amass 324/5 in 49.2 overs. A long rain delay reduced the match to 27 overs as New Zealand needed a DLS target of 221 to chase down. However, they could only manage 175/9 as the Sri Lankan bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals after a solid 88-run opening stand between Will Young and Tim Robinson.

Sri Lanka will want to wrap up the series with another comprehensive performance on Sunday. However, the Kiwis will take inspiration from their comeback win to square the preceding T20I series. A better performance from the middle-order will be essential for the Blackcaps on Sunday.

Match Details

Pitch Report

42 ODIs have been played so far in Pallekele. The team batting first has won 16 matches, while chasing teams have emerged victorious of 24 occasions. Chasing teams won all the three games in Pallekele during the recent ODI series between Sri Lanka and the West Indies. However, all the games were rain-curtailed affairs. Rain can be a factor in the initial stages of the second ODI, but fans can expect more action than they saw in Dambulla.

Also Read: SL vs NZ 2024: Dushan Hemantha replaces injured Wanindu Hasaranga for New Zealand ODIs

Head-to-Head Record

Predicted Playing XIs 

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

New Zealand:

Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

Probable Top Performers  

Probable Best Batter: Pathum Nissanka

Sri Lanka's No. 3 batter - Kusal Mendis played an incredible knock in the first ODI as he scored 143 off just 128 balls, hitting 17 fours and two sixes. The 29-year-old will want to continue from where he left in Dambulla. Mendis is averaging an impressive 47.71 in ODI cricket this year, and the Sri Lankan fans will hope that he plays another match-winning innings on Sunday and helps them win another series at home.

Click Here: Most runs in SL vs NZ 

Probable Best Bowler: Maheesh Theekshana

Maheesh Theekshana expect more turn in Pallekele in comparison to Dambulla. He did well in the first ODI as he picked up the two set opening batters in the same over to bring Sri Lanka back in the game. In the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, Theekshana's role becomes much more important. It will be interesting to see how Charith Asalanka uses his premier spinner in a full 50-over game.

Click Here: Most Wickets in SL vs NZ

Today's Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match

Scenario 1

Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bowl first

Powerplay: 40-50

New Zealand: 210-230

Sri Lanka win the match

Scenario 2

New Zealand win the toss and opt to bowl first

PP: 45-55

Sri Lanka: 245-265

Sri Lanka win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.