Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2nd Test: Decoding key details
Sri Lanka and New Zealand are set to lock horns in the second Test match of the ongoing series on September 26. The hosts secured a 63-run victory in the first Test and aim to carry forward their momentum under interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Meanwhile, NZ will be wanting to build on from their performance in the first encounter and show more character. Here are further details.
New Zealand's performance and WTC hopes
New Zealand were close to victory in the first Test, but the run-out of Daryl Mitchell at 57 runs in the morning of the second day, prevented them from taking a substantial first-innings lead. Despite the setback, they showcased remarkable skill on Galle's tough pitch through players like Ajaz Patel, Mitchell, William O'Rourke, and Rachin Ravindra. A win in the upcoming Test is crucial for NZ to keep their ICC World Test Championship final hopes alive.
Sri Lanka's winning streak and WTC prospects
Sri Lanka are have won their last two Test matches, beating England in the 3rd clash of the three-match series before winning against NZ in Galle. The team's bowlers have been instrumental in these wins, while the batters have also made significant contributions. A win in the upcoming Test once again in Galle would increase their ICC World Test Championship percentage points to 56, bringing them closer to Australia who are currently second on the table with 62.5 PCT.
Players to watch: Dinesh Chandimal and Kane Williamson
Dinesh Chandimal has been promoted to No. 3 in the batting order, a position where he has previously scored only one half-century in eight innings. However, he made a promising start with a crucial 61 run-knock during the second innings of the first Test. On the other hand, Kane Williamson's performance has often aided New Zealand to victory. As per ESPNcricinfo, he averages 81.86 during NZ's victories but his average drops to 16.50 in Galle (6 innings).
Pitch and conditions for the 2nd Test
The pitch at Galle International Stadium is expected to favor spin bowlers, as it did in the first Test. Pacers like O'Rourke, Tim Southee and Asitha Fernando could benefit by exploiting the footmarks on one side of the pitch for success. The weather forecast for Galle suggests that rain could play a part in the match with scattered thunderstorms predicted throughout the five days of play.
Here are the probable XI's for both teams
Sri Lanka probable XI: Dimuth Karuanaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando New Zealand probable XI: Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee (c), Ajaz Patel, Will O'Rourke.
Venue, timing, and broadcast details and H2H record
The 2nd Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be played at Galle International Stadium, Galle. The match will begin at 10:00am IST. Viewers can watch the match live on Sony Sports Network. Live streaming is available on the SonyLIV app. New Zealand and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 39 Test matches. New Zealand have won 18 games with Sri Lanka winning 10. 11 matches have ended in a draw.
Ajaz and Jayasuriya could shine in Galle
Two of Ajaz Patel's five career five-wicket hauls have come in Galle. The spinner averages 22.35 at the venue. Jayasuriya owns 88 wickets in Tests. Notably, 62 of his scalps have come in Galle.
