Second ODI Preview: New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka

Second ODI Preview: New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka

New Zealand and Sri Lanka are ready to face off in the second ODI of the three-match series in Mount Maunganui on Saturday. In the series opener, the home side registered a comfortable 45-run win to go 1-0 up in the match which was played at the same venue on Thursday. Therefore, the Black Caps will enter the contest full of confidence and will be hoping to put a similar show which can help them in sealing the series.

In the batting department, the Kiwis will be depending on the experienced trio of Martin Guptill, captain Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor to score bulk of the runs, whereas in the bowling department, the onus will be one the pace trio of Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson to provide timely breakthroughs. However, there are chances that pacer Doug Bracewell might get a go in place of Ferguson in probably the only change expected in the final eleven for the home side.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka will enter the contest knowing that they cannot afford another below-par performance if they are to stay alive in the series. In the batting department, the visitors will be relying on in-form Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella and Dinesh Chandimal to score bulk of the runs, whereas in the bowling department, the onus will be once again on captain Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep and Thisara Perera to provide timely breakthroughs.

Key Players:


Jimmy Neesham – 9 Cr

First in the list of key

New Zealand and Sri Lanka are ready to face off in the second ODI of the three-match series in Mount Maunganui on Saturday. In the series opener, the home side registered a comfortable 45-run win to go 1-0 up in the match which was played at the same venue on Thursday. Therefore, the Black Caps will enter the contest full of confidence and will be hoping to put a similar show which can help them in sealing the series.

In the batting department, the Kiwis will be depending on the experienced trio of Martin Guptill, captain Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor to score bulk of the runs, whereas in the bowling department, the onus will be one the pace trio of Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson to provide timely breakthroughs. However, there are chances that pacer Doug Bracewell might get a go in place of Ferguson in probably the only change expected in the final eleven for the home side.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka will enter the contest knowing that they cannot afford another below-par performance if they are to stay alive in the series. In the batting department, the visitors will be relying on in-form Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella and Dinesh Chandimal to score bulk of the runs, whereas in the bowling department, the onus will be once again on captain Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep and Thisara Perera to provide timely breakthroughs.

Key Players:


Jimmy Neesham – 9 Cr

First in the list of key players features New Zealand's Jimmy Neesham. The 28-year-old made a grand comeback in the Black Caps' side as he made a brilliant 47 off just 13 balls, which included six sixes. That was not it as Neesham also claimed figures of three for 38 with the ball in hand as well. Therefore, Neesham, who is valued at 9 Cr, might prove to be a good purchase for your team for the match on Saturday. Till now, the Auckland-born all-rounder has played 42 ODIs for New Zealand, where he has scored 858 runs and claimed 37 wickets as well.

Martin Guptill – 9.5 Cr

Second in the list of key players features New Zealand's Martin Guptill. The veteran right-hander made a grand come back to the side and struck an outstanding century in the series opener, where he finished the match with the top score of 138 off 139 balls and was named player of the match. Since the match is being played at the same venue and on the same pitch, Guptill, who is valued at 9.5 Cr, might prove to be a good purchase for your team. Till now, Guptill has played 160 ODIs for the Black Caps, where he has scored 6,114 runs at an average of 43.67, which included 14 hundreds and 34 half-centuries.

Kusal Perera – 8.5 Cr

Last in the list of key players features Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera. The elegant left-hander was perhaps the best players from the visitors in the series opener as he scored a brilliant century, but ended on a losing side. Therefore, Perera, who is valued at 8.5 Cr, is the player to have in your team. Till now, Perera has played 83 ODIs for Sri Lanka, where he has scored 2,195 runs at an average of 29.66.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Azeem Siddiqui
Passionate sports follower in the field of sports journalism for more than five years. Loves writing about cricket, football, and tennis.
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