Unbelievably, Sri Lanka have failed to win a game on their tour of New Zealand thus far. Therefore, Thursday’s game two at Hamilton’s Seddon Park may be the perfect opportunity to do so. New Zealand are missing some key players and look beatable in game one even though they managed a three wicket win.
If Sri Lanka can make an impression with the bat, post a decent total in excess of 270, there’s no reason why they can’t exploit some nervousness in the opposition batting line-up. Doing so will allow them to build some momentum before the teams meet again in the World Cup opener.
The Last Time These Two Met
Not for the first time in the last 12 months most of the headlines from game one belonged to Brendon McCullum. The Black Caps captain equalled his record for the fastest ODI half-century when he bashed 51 from 22 balls to set his team on their way to victory. Although the final margin wasn’t as comprehensive as it seemed, Corey Anderson’s 81 got the home team over the line by three wickets. The chase of 219 could have been for less but for the contribution from Mahela Jayawardene, who made a timeless 104. His first ODI century in New Zealand was full of elegance and grace, and notwithstanding McCullum’s aggressive approach, he easily looked the best batsman on show.
The Teams
New Zealand (likely): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt.), 3 Tom Latham, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott/ Daniel Vettori, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk) , 7 Corey Anderson, 8 Nathan McCullum, 9 Adam Milne, 10 Mitchell McClenaghan, 11 Trent Boult
For New Zealand, Williamson is being rested to overcome a slight shoulder injury, however, Ross Taylor’s return offsets the loss. Grant Elliot is also doubtful after missing Wednesday’s training for a family health matter. If Elliot is unavailable Daniel Vettori may have to make up the numbers. A move that would expose the Black Caps middle and lower order.
Sri Lanka (likely): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt.), 6 Lahiru Thirimanne, 7 Thisara Perara, 8 Jeevan Mendis, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Sachithra Senanayake, 11 Suranga Lakmal
Possible changes include: Dinesh Chandimal for the surprisingly disappointing Thirimanne who really was strangled in game one; and Lakmal for Shaminda Eranga. Rotation is inevitable in a seven match series but it remains to be seen whether things will change this early in the series.
The Key Players
Tom Latham – Latham has impressed most with his test match temperament which was showcased during hundreds against Pakistan and West Indies during New Zealand’s winter tours. His challenge now is to transfer that form to the ODI game. He has an excellent opportunity to secure the final middle order World Cup bert and this match is perfect platform.
Sachithra Senanayake – The fact that Senanayake bowled the fifth over in Christchurch’s game one is testament to either, McCullum’s intimidating start, or Senanayake tremendous control. Since returning from an ICC imposed bowling ban he’s been an absolute revelation. Look for more wickets from the crafty operator in game two as well.
The Match Odds*
New Zealand – $1.60
Sri Lanka – $2.90
*International Cricket odds courtesy of TopBetta.
The Prediction
We’re a bit anxious about the fragility of New Zealand’s middle order core. Latham at three, Taylor without form and cricket at four, and Elliot at five is worrying for a nation with a history of batting collapses. The Black Caps could falter to the spin of Senanayake and struggle to post a defendable total at Seddon Park. For that reason we’re picking Sri Lanka to even the series up.
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