New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction – Who will win today’s 2nd T20I match between NZ vs SL?

In this article, we will be analyzing the NZ vs SL Match Prediction. New Zealand (NZ) and Sri Lanka (SL) are all set to lock horns in the second T20I of the three-game T20I series, at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, on Monday, December 30.

Sri Lanka will be bitterly disappointed with their defeat in the first T20I after they managed to get themselves into a great position at one stage. The visitors had the Kiwis on the mat at one stage as they picked up five wickets for 65 runs inside the first 10 overs. However, a 105-run partnership off 60 balls between Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell helped the Blackcaps reach a fighting total of 172/8.

In reply, Sri Lankan openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis got their team off to a flying start, adding 121 runs inside the first 14 overs. However, the Lankan Lions kept losing wickets at regular intervals towards the back end and eventually fell short by eight runs.

Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka and head coach Sanath Jayasuriya must have had discussions with their players, asking them to capitalise on strong situations. They will want to come back strongly in the second T20I and restore parity in the series.

Also Check: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I – Live Scores

NZ vs SL Match Details:

Bay Oval Pitch Report

The Bay Oval usually helps the seamers when the ball is new. Opening batters will have to be wary as there are good swing bowlers on both sides. In the first T20I, the Sri Lankan duo of Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando got the ball to swing prodigiously inside the powerplay. Spinners might not get too much assistance when the ball is new but they would have more of a say as the game progresses.

Head-To-Head Records

Probable Predicted 11 for NZ vs SL

New Zealand:

Mitchell Santner (c), Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (wk), Tim Robinson, Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Sri Lanka:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

Probable Top Performers from NZ vs SL

Probable Best Batter: Pathum Nissanka

Sri Lanka’s opening batter Pathum Nissanka will look to continue his splendid form against New Zealand in T20I cricket. In the last T20I series against the same opponents at home, Nissanka was the highest run-getter. In the first ODI, the right-handed batter played a brilliant knock of 90 off 60 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes.

Also Check: NZ vs SL 2024-25 News

Probable Best Bowler: Jacob Duffy

New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy could be the bowler to watch out for in the upcoming clash against Sri Lanka. The speedster turned the game on its head in the first ODI when he picked up three wickets in the 14th over. He eventually finished with figures of 3/21 in four overs. Duffy will look to pick up wickets with the new ball to get the hosts off to a flying start.

Today’s Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the match

Scenario 1

New Zealand win the toss and opt to bat first

PP Score: 55-65

NZ: 170-180

New Zealand win the match

Scenario 2

Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bat first

PP Score: 50-60

SL: 160-170

Sri Lanka win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.