After an extra-ordinary chase in the the fourth innings, with their captain leading from the front. This saw Sri Lanka open their account in the ICC World World Test Championship with 60 points. New Zealand, on the other hand, will want to bounce back strongly, after the first match, which they would feel should have been won.
Match Details:
The match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will take place at P Sara Oval in Colombo at 4:30 PM GMT on Thursday, August 22.
Team News:
Sri Lanka
Dilruwan Perera might have come into the squad as a cover for Akila Dhananjaya after a suspect bowling action, but he is still allowed to bowl in the match. Lasith Embuldenia, along with Dananjaya, can be expected to be among wickets once again. Captain Dimuth Karunarathne, after a match winning century can once again be the main man for Sri Lanka.
New Zealand
Kane Williamson, after his duck and a 3 in the first match, will surely be better in his second match. Ross Taylor is expected to continue his good form. Ajaz Patel, after his five wicket haul in the first match, should do well in spin friendly conditions in the second match. William Somerville is another player to watch out for.
Predicted Playing XI
Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Embuldeniya
New Zealand
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Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee/Neil Wagner, William Somerville, Trent Boult, Ajaz Patel
Injury and Availability News:
There are no injury concerns so far for either of the teams, and should go in with their strongest 11 for their second match in the ICC World Test Championship. The only concern for Sri Lanka was Akila Dananjaya suspected for illegal bowling action, but he will be allowed to bowl in the test match.
Weather and pitch report
Thunderstorms expected on all five days of the test match. Fingers crossed.
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Spin, spin and spin expected once again, like most subcontinent pitches. Teams generally look to bat first and set a big total on the board.
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Dream XI Prediction Team:
Wicketkeeper: N Dickwella, B J Watling
Batters: R Taylor, K Wiliamson, D Karunaratne
All-rounders: M Santhner, D de Silva
Bowlers: S Lakmal, A Dananjaya, A Patel, W Somerville
Captain & Vice-captain: K Williamson, D Karunaratne