New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I: NZ vs SL Head to Head, Playing XI, Preview, Where to Watch on TV, Online, and Live Streaming Details

New Zealand Team. (Photo by DAVID ROWLAND/AFP via Getty Images)

After losing the first match in the Super Over, New Zealand will aim for a stronger comeback when they take on Sri Lanka in the second T20I of the series on April 5 at University Oval, Dunedin. The Lankan Lions, on the other hand, will be determined to seal the series in the next match, especially after losing both Test and ODI competitions.

Notably, the Dasun Shanaka-led side was terrific with the bat, posting 196 runs in 20 overs in the first match. Batting at number three, Kusal Mendis (53* runs off 45 deliveries) took a lot of responsibility at the top of the order while Charith Asalanka took the game to the next stage with his brilliant 67 runs off 41 deliveries. Later, Wanindu Hasaranga played a quick cameo of 21* runs off 11 deliveries to strengthen Sri Lanka’s case. Having put on an exhibition of batting flamboyance, the island nation would be hopeful of their chances with the bat in the next game as well.

However, bowling remains a concern for Sri Lanka. Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana looked good while other bowlers proved to be expensive and that is one area that the team needs to address ahead of the second T20I.

When it comes to the Black Caps, the top order failed to deliver but batting at number four, Daryl Mitchell once again played a blistering innings, scoring 66 runs off 44 deliveries. Mark Chapman played a sensible knock as well while Rachin Ravindra’s quick cameo of 26 runs off 13 deliveries helped the team approach Sri Lanka’s total but unfortunately, wasn’t enough to grant them a win. Talking about the bowling front, the pacers conceded a lot of runs which needs to be checked at the earliest.

Pitch & Conditions:

The surface at University Oval is likely to favour the batters and thus, a high-scoring game is expected. Batting first will be ideal on this wicket and anything above 180 will be a good score to add spark to the action in the second innings.

Probable Playing XIs for NZ vs SL, 2nd T20I:

New Zealand
No changes are expected as such but the openers will have to take up a lot more responsibilities. The pacers, meanwhile, will have to improve if New Zealand are to win the match.

Probable Playing XI: Chad Bowes, Tim Seifert, Tom Latham (wk/c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Ben Lister

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka are not expected to make any changes either. Just like the Kiwis, the openers here will also have to chip in to set the tone upfront and give the team a good start. Meanwhile, Theekshana’s form will be very important for the island nation.

Probable Playing XI: Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head in T20Is:

Played – 21 New Zealand – 11