Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Wednesday, 8 January 2025 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Sa’adi Thawfeeq
Sri Lanka will be looking to come up with a better performance in the second ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton today with the three-match series on the line.
Having lost the first ODI played at Wellington by 9 wickets, Sri Lanka faces a must win situation to keep the series alive by winning today with New Zealand leading 1-0.
The Wellington weather played a big role in Sri Lanka’s defeat although that cannot be taken as an excuse.
It was windy and extremely cold and Sri Lanka failed to adjust to the conditions and soon found themselves four down for 23 inside the first power play. Although they somewhat recovered to post a total of 178 it was not sufficient to stop New Zealand from overhauling it easily to win with more than 23 overs to spare.
Apart from the batting debacle, Sri Lanka bowlers could not replicate what the New Zealand bowlers did on the pitch. They bowled too short and allowed the New Zealand batters to make full use of it to reach the target, losing just a solitary wicket.
Sri Lanka have named a squad of 13 for today’s match adding all-rounder Dunith Wellalage and fast bowler Mohamed Shiraz to the 11 that played in the first Test.
The weather in Hamilton is expected to be much better than at Wellington but the pitch is greenish with about 14-15 millimetres of grass. How big a role it will play remains to be seen?
Following their disappointing performance in the first ODI there were quite a lot of discussions that took place about it and what needs to be done at yesterday’s team meeting after a good net session. All round Sri Lanka’s performance was unsatisfactory. The players need to put the first ODI disappointment behind them and start afresh.
Sri Lanka won an ODI series in New Zealand (4-1) as far as back as 2001 under the captaincy of Sanath Jayasuriya, who is the present head coach of the team. It was Sri Lanka’s solitary series win in New Zealand. The last occasion the two sides met in an ODI series in New Zealand in 2023, the home side won 2-0. The present side under Charith Asalanka has a lot to play for if they are to replicate the win achieved 24 years ago.
Sri Lanka squad from which the final 11 will be picked: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (captain), Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Mohamed Shiraz.
