ABOUT THE MATCH
New Zealand can wrap up a series win against Sri Lanka when the two teams return to the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium for the second T20i in their three-game series in Kandy. The match takes place on September 3 and starts at 19:00 local time.
The Black Caps chased 175 to win the first match by five wickets, with Ross Taylor top-scoring with 48 from 29 balls. New Zealand has now won four of the five T20 internationals they have played in 2019.
Earlier, Kusal Mendis had led Sri Lanka to 174/4 from their 20 overs, before Lasith Malinga’s record-breaking 99th T20 international wicket put them on top. Though Malinga is one away from becoming the first man to 100 in the format, Sri Lanka has not won any of their last six T20 internationals.
TOSS PREDICTION
Sri Lanka won the toss in the last two matches of this tour, so New Zealand is due to win it this time. They chased well last time though and maybe happy to field first again.
PITCH AND CONDITIONS
Conditions in Kandy should be ideal for cricket on Tuesday evening with a very low chance of rain and temperatures sticking in the mid-20s throughout the evening.
In T20 international cricket, there has tended to be a lot of runs at Kandy. The pitch offers good bounce and tends to hold its form – particularly in the shorter format.
MATCH PREVIEW
NEW ZEALAND
- With Lockie Ferguson ruled out with a broken thumb, and Kane Williamson and Trent Boult rested, New Zealand only have 13 players on this tour.
- Tim Southee is leading the charge and it could be an unchanged team with Todd Astle and Tom Bruce missing out for the second game.
- With Lockie Ferguson ruled out with a broken thumb, and Kane Williamson and Trent Boult rested, New Zealand only have 13 players on this tour.
- Tim Southee is leading the charge and it could be an unchanged team – with Todd Astle and Tom Bruce missing out – for the second game.
SRI LANKA
- Sri Lanka could make changes for this second match, with Avishka Fernando having struggled with the bat in the first match, while Kasun Rajitha was loose with the ball.
- Danushka Gunathilaka could come into the team with the bat, while Lahiru Madushanka is a good option with the ball, or Lakshan Sandakan if they want an extra spinner.
- Sri Lanka is without a win in their last six T20 internationals. The closest they came was in their first game against South Africa in March, when they tied the game but lost on a super over, but they have lost three times since.
- That includes two defeats in the remaining two games against South Africa before they were unable to defend their 174/4 in the first game of this series.
- Their last win was a three-wicket victory at home to South Africa in August 2018.
PROBABLE WINNING TEAM:
New Zealand showed their all-round quality as they won the first match of the series and that was without Guptill or Munro firing. They have the quality to wrap up a series win.
Click here to find out the Fantasy Picks.
