New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Preview, 2nd T20I

New Zealand and Sri Lanka are all set to continue their ongoing T20I series. Both sides will face off in the second T20I of the series at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on Monday, December 30. It is worth noting that the first T20I of the series did not go Sri Lanka’s way. 

Both sides locked horns in the first T20I at the Bay Oval as well on December 28. The game saw the Black Caps coming in to bat first. Sri Lanka managed to pile on the pressure in the early stages of the game with quick breakthroughs in the top order. However, Daryl Mitchell's 62-run knock and Michael Bracewell adding 59 runs to the board saw New Zealand post a target of 173 runs on the board. 

Aiming to chase down the target, Sri Lanka got off to an exceptional start to the game as openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis scored 90 and 46 runs, respectively. However, after the openers, none of the other batters amounted to much. New Zealand’s bowling attack saw the visitors bundled out for a score of 164 runs in the second innings as the hosts won the game by eight runs. 

Also Check: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2024-25 Schedule

NZ vs SL Match Details

Pitch Report

The surface at the Bay Oval is one that is quite balanced. An equal clash between the batters and bowlers could be quite the possibility on such a pitch. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss could prove to be a wise decision.

Head-To-Head Records

NZ vs SL Probable Predicted XIs

New Zealand:

Playing XI: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith.

Sri Lanka:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara