Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
Sri Lanka v New Zealand 2nd Test Preview Dream11. SL vs NZ 2nd Test Preview Dream11 Prediction August 22 2019
Test Cricket is well and truly back.
With the Ashes third Test and first West Indies v India Test also gracing us on an action-packed Thursday, Sri Lanka will be out to make it four straight Test wins in a row. After a Test of ebbs-and-flows in Galle, it was Dimith Karunaratne who stood tallest, continuing his excellent run of form at home dating back to the South Africa series last year. However, they will need Akila Dananjaya, one of Sri Lanka’s best in Galle, to put distractions aside as much as possible, after being reported again for a suspect action.
It was a missed opportunity for New Zealand. Kane Williamson, after winning the toss, had hoped the pitch would wear out more than it did. However, his poor Test, along with some questionable strokeplay from New Zealand’s top order in the second innings ultimately had the middle and lower order sweating away for parity. But, 267 looked a magnificent lead, until the spinners couldn’t have the impact expected of them, which might prompt New Zealand to make a change or two for Colombo. Kane Williamson also being reported for a suspect action will have less of an impact as it is his batting that will be most important.
Key to a Sri Lanka win
After a tough first day in Galle, Suranga Lakmal and Lasith Embuldeniya came to the party. This will be of even greater necessity in Colombo, given the news regarding Akila Dananjaya. Akila may very well play this Test as testing has to occur within 14 days of the initial report, but one wonders what state of mind he will be in given he only recently returned to international cricket after remodelling his action. Also, with the P Sara Oval pitch known for offering some assistance for seamers, Lahiru Kamara will be key in using his pace to good effect. Indeed, the challenge for Sri Lanka will be to again find joy against New Zealand’s top order, placing pressure on the middle to get the Black Caps back in the game.
Also, possibly on his last legs in Test Cricket, Lahiru Thirimanne played an excellent knock to support skipper Dimuth Karunaratne in Sri Lanka’s record chase. Blunting New Zealand’s new ball efforts will be key, paving the way for the likes of Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera and Niroshan Dickwella to build on a platform. With New Zealand likely to go in with Ajaz Patel and Will Somerville as their two spinners, Sri Lanka have an opportunity to keep them at bay, placing pressure on the seamers to deliver in what will be hot, humid conditions.
Key to a New Zealand win
Jeet Raval, Tom Latham and Ross Taylor all showed glimpses of their ability to perform in Asian conditions. However, they couldn’t quite go on with the job as Dimuth Karunaratne was able to, placing significant onus on these three – as well as star batsman Kane Williamson – to ensure New Zealand have a platform to play off. With New Zealand’s middle and lower order very capable of occupying the crease, the Black Caps can break Sri Lanka’s spirits with a long innings, set up by the top order. Indeed, the pressure they place on the spinners – particularly Akila Dananjaya (if picked), could prove crucial to the result.
Also, Trent Boult and Tim Southee spent a lot of time in the field waiting for an opportunity to bowl in the second innings at Galle. At the P Sara Oval – where the ball often bounces a little more than other Sri Lankan grounds – these two will be key with both new and old ball. However, a decision New Zealand have to make is whether they stick with Mitchell Santner (who disappointed last time out) or bring in Neil Wagner to try and ruffle up the Sri Lankan batsmen. This could be an opportunity for New Zealand to play three specialist seamers, with the accurate spin of Patel and Somerville wheeling away throughout the day.
Pitch and conditions
P Sara Oval in Colombo is not too kind to Sri Lanka – they have won just two of seven at the ground since 2010. The track often offers a little more bounce than other grounds in Sri Lanka, which could suit New Zealand for this one. The weather isn’t too promising, with thunderstorms predicted throughout the Test.
Possible Playing 11
It remains to be seen if Sri Lanka pick Akila Dananjaya for this Test. Otherwise, they should stick with the same team that won the first Test.
Sri Lanka: 1. Dimith Karunaratne (c), 2. Lahiru Thirimanne, 3. Kusal Mendis, 4. Angelo Mathews, 5. Kusal Perera, 6. Dhananjaya de Silva, 7. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8. Suranga Lakmal, 9. Akila Dananjaya, 10. Lasith Embuldeniya, 11. Lahiru Kamara
Neil Wagner could come in for Mitchell Santner, who was largely ineffective in Galle.
New Zealand: 1. Jeet Raval, 2. Tom Latham, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Henry Nicholls, 6. BJ Watling (wk), 7. Will Somerville, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Neil Wagner, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Ajaz Patel
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
Option 2:
Stats and Facts
- Sri Lanka have won just two of their past seven Tests at P Sara Oval in Colombo.
- New Zealand lost the first Test of their 2012 tour of Sri Lanka (also in Galle), before winning the second Test at P Sara Oval, where this Test will be played.
- Both Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor scored centuries in their last visit to this ground.
- Sri Lanka have won their past three Tests – all while chasing. Dimuth Karunaratne has also broken into the top 10 for Test batsmen rankings.
- Sri Lanka lead the World Test Championship Table with 60 points.
Match Prediction
The weather could have a say in this Test. This makes a draw the likely result. However, if there is to be a result, I pick New Zealand to bounce back at a ground they have enjoyed success at in the past.
Thanks for reading!
