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New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview + Dream11

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Last Updated on 3 days by Charbel Coorey

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview + Dream11

The series is on the line for Sri Lanka, as predicted.

New Zealand, led by superb performances by their comeback players, took a 1-0 series lead. Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor set up a platform for Jimmy Neesham to go ballistic, powering New Zealand to a total that proved too much in the end despite a fair effort from the visitors. Will the Black Caps seal the series with a game to play?

Sri Lanka’s disappointing ODI form over the last two years was not immediately improved upon in the first game of 2019. They had their moments during the chase, but once again were let down by inconsistency in performance. Their death bowling was awful, and to keep the series alive, they must improve on the one percenters. The time is now to get things right.

Key to a New Zealand win

New Zealand’s top order highlighted their strength in the first ODI. Martin Guptill marked his return to the ODI side with a fine century, and will be a threat once again. One player who needs to step up is Colin Munro, who hasn’t quite grasped the ODI format, and is capable of taking the game away from Sri Lanka early. With Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, New Zealand possess a dangerous top four that can pave the way for the likes of Jimmy Neesham and Tim Seifert to swing for the hills.

However, New Zealand’s bowlers will be keen for a better showing. That Jimmy Neesham (no disrespect to the Neesh) outbowled his counterparts is cause for improvement. Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and especially Matt Henry (if picked) will be out for better outings, and can still aim to get into a Sri Lanka top order that has struggled over the past couple of years.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview + Dream11: Jimmy Neesham was superb

Key to a Sri Lanka win

Sri Lanka had their moments in the first ODI. However, in what’s been a regular occurrence in their poor run of results in ODI Cricket since the beginning of 2017, those moments weren’t sustained long enough. A huge key for Sri Lanka is getting into the New Zealand top four as soon as possible, to leave the middle order with some sort of rebuilding job, in an attempt to improve their dire record in the middle overs. Lasith Malinga is crucial at both key stages of the innings, so too Thisara Perera, who was excellent until his nightmare 34-run over.

Also, can the Sri Lankan top order step up two games in a row? Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Perera were especially brilliant on Thursday, and will be tasked with providing the Sri Lankans with another fast start. However, Sri Lanka’s middle order, often a source of ODI refuge, stuttered in the middle overs of their huge chase in the first ODI. Again, Sri Lanka need a complete effort – the kind New Zealand had on Thursday, which was ultimately the difference between the sides.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview + Dream11: Lasith Malinga will be hoping for a big effort from his team

ALSO READ: My 2018 Test Team of the Year!

Possible Playing XIs

Matt Henry was hammered for 87 runs in his 10 overs in the first ODI. He could possibly make way for either Doug Bracewell or Tim Southee.

New Zealand XI: 1. Colin Munro, 2. Martin Guptill, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Henry Nicholls, 6. Tim Seifert (wk), 7. Jimmy Neesham, 8. Matt Henry/Doug Bracewell/Tim Southee, 9. Ish Sodhi, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Trent Boult

Dasun Shanaka could get a run for Asela Gunaratne, given his ability to play well down the order.

Sri Lanka XI: 1. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 2. Danushka Gunathilaka, 3. Kusal Perera, 4. Kusal Mendis, 5. Dinesh Chandimal, 6. Dasun Shanaka, 7. Thisara Perera, 8. Lakshan Sandakan, 9. Lasith Malinga (c), 10. Dushmantha Chameera, 11. Nuwan Pradeep

Dream11 Prediction

A slightly slower track is expected for this game, but good batting conditions will still be available. Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview + Dream11 Prediction Cricket Blog CricBlog Cricket Preview
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview + Dream11 Prediction
  • Each of New Zealand’s top four makes my side. So too Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Perera who were Sri Lanka’s best in the first ODI.
  • Dasun Shanaka is likely to get a game, and presents a good option lower down for Sri Lanka.
  • How can Jimmy Neesham be ignored? If NZ’s top order goes strong, he could even come in at five for some big hitting. Also will be key with the ball.
  • Lasith Malinga, Lockie Fergsuon and Ish Sodhi make up my bowling attack.

Stats and Facts

  • Jimmy Neesham’s strike rate of 361.53 on Thursday is the second best ever for a score of 25 or more. The best is James Franklin’s 31* off 8 balls vs Canada in 2011 World Cup.
  • Sri Lanka have lost 34 of their last 45 completed ODIs, including their last seven live ODIs (non dead-rubber).
  • New Zealand have won nine of 12 ODIs vs Sri Lanka at home since the start of 2015.

Prediction

Sri Lanka have reasons to be optimistic after their first ODI effort, but New Zealand look more settled.

The Black Caps to win, once again off a strong top order effort.

Thanks for reading!

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
Charbel Cooreyhttps://cricblog.net
Charbel is the owner & founder of cricblog.net, based in Sydney, Australia. He started the website to fulfill his love for the game of cricket. Charbel has been featured on other publications including OP India, Times of India, and The Roar, among others. He is also a keen fantasy sports player. Charbel has also had the privilege of interviewing cricketers on the CricBlog TV YouTube channel, including James Neesham, Rassie van der Dussen, Andrew Tye, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat and Saurabh Netravalkar: https://www.youtube.com/@cricblogtv For any story tips or questions, you can contact Charbel at charbelcoorey@cricblog.net.

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