Sri Lanka They will be desperate for a bounce back when they take on New Zealand in the second ODI of the ongoing NZ vs SL series. The penultimate match of the series will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Wednesday (January 8, 2025).
The Islanders suffered a humiliating 9-wicket loss in the first ODI. Lanka were not competing with New Zealand either with bat or ball. Batting first, the tourists were all out for a modest total of 178 runs. Opener Avishka Fernando top-scored for Sri Lanka with 56 goals.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry took 4 wickets for just 19 runs in 10 overs. With the bat, New Zealand chased down the total by losing just one wicket in less than 27 overs.
With Lanka now looking to win the next match and keep the series alive, we take a look at Sri Lanka's play in the second ODI.
Sri Lanka playing 11 vs New Zealand – 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand 2024-25:
Editorial: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando
Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando are set to be the openers in Lanka's playing XI in the second ODI. The onus will be on the opening pair to give their team a good start in the do-or-die match.
The in-form Nissanka failed to live up to expectations in the series opener. After a brilliant outing in the T20Is, the right-handed batsman started the ODI series poorly as he was bowled out for just 9 runs. Fernando, on the other hand, managed to impress with the bat.
While no other Lankan player has managed to reach the forty mark, Fernando has scored a fighting fifty in Test conditions. He scored 56 runs with the help of 6 fours and a six and will look to deliver with the bat in the second match as well.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Sharith Asalanka (c), Janeth Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanendu Hasaranga
Kusal Mendis failed to impress with the bat. The Lanka star was out for just two runs. Kamindu Mendis was unfortunate to be run out for just 3 runs and will look to have a good knock in the second ODI.
Captain Sharith Asalanka was unable to lead the Sri Lanka Lions from the front in the first NZ vs SL ODI. After a brilliant all-round display in the third T20I, Asalanka had a memorable outing in the first ODI. He was dismissed for a 5-ball duck by Nathan Smith and also decided not to bowl all over.
Janeth Liyanage was Lanka's second highest scorer. He scored 36 runs and is set to retain his place for Sri Lanka as he played 11 in the second ODI. Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Wanindu Hasaranga played useful knocks with the bat as well.
Wickramasinghe scored 22 points while Hasaranga scored 35 points. Chamindo He also picked up the only New Zealand wicket to fall in the match as Hasaranga went wicketless.
Players: Lahiru Kumara, Ishan Malinga, Asitha Fernando
It looks like Sri Lanka's bowling line-up playing eleven in the second ODI will remain the same. It is unlikely that the team management will adjust the group after just one match. The Sri Lankan bowlers will have to deliver In the second match between NZ and SL.
Lahiru Kumara gave away 48 runs in 6 overs and could not take any wickets. On the other hand, Ishaan Malinga conceded 41 runs in just 5 overs. However, he is expected to retain his place as Sri Lanka's playing No. 11. Asitha Fernando could not impress with the ball either as he remained wicketless for 33 runs in 6 overs.