New Zealand head into the second ODI against Sri Lanka with a 1-0 series lead after their win at the Bay Oval.
New Zealand had too much firepower for a hapless Sri Lanka outfit in the first ODI. Their win was set up by their batting, but Sri Lanka’s top order put up some fight.
Kusal Perera even notched up a rare ODI century for Sri Lanka, but despite that effort, New Zealand never looked like losing.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka | Saturday 5 January | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 03:00
To Win Match
New Zealand 26/100
Tie 35/1
Sri Lanka 28/10
New Zealand
With the action staying at the batsmen-friendly Bay Oval, New Zealand’s top- through middle-order are likely to retain their dominance over Sri Lanka’s depleted bowling attack.
Martin Guptill made a strong return to international cricket with a swashbuckling ton out of the gate. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor give a formidable look to the Black Caps middle-order, while Colin Munro and Guptill have the potential to be a scary opening partnership.
Jimmy Neesham was a big difference maker with his potent finish, though New Zealand will know he is unlikely to repeat his 13-ball 47 not out every time he walks to the crease. Neesham was also crucial with the ball, taking three for 38 to halt the Sri Lankan charge.
All the other quicks took some tap, but Ish Sodhi continues to show why he is the Black Caps’ first choice limited-overs spinner.
Sri Lanka
The top-order fired in the first ODI, but the middle gave way at a crucial moment and left Sri Lanka with too much to do toward the death. Lasith Malinga’s charges are likely to bat better when chasing, as assessing pitches has continually been a problem for their batsmen.
Sri Lanka’s spinners failed to really put the brakes on the Black Caps charge and their seamers travelled in the same way as New Zealand’s would. Lakshan Sandakan was the only frontline spinner in the XI, though, in an attack that lacked variation.
Considering the team they put out should have had batting depth up to number eight, Seekkuge Prasanna, they will be disappointed at their failure to build on the platform built by their top three.
Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal should be performing a similar role to Williamson and Taylor, but the senior batsmen let the team down in the opening ODI.
Verdict: New Zealand 28/100
New Zealand’s batting power gives them the edge over a Sri Lankan team that can’t seem to find a complete performance.
