New Zealand will be looking to get the better of Sri Lanka in the second ODI at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium today with rain also expected to set in and dictate terms.
New Zealand lost the first ODI three days ago in a match that was affected by rain after Sri Lanka made 324 for 5 when the skies opened with fours ball remaining.
In reply after the rain delay New Zealand made 175 for 9 losing by 45 runs on the DL method with the innings reduced to 27 overs.
But Sri Lanka have enough to play for in the remaining two matches after both teams drew the T20 series 1-1 with the Kiwis successfully defending a small target of 109 in the deciding match.
All eyes will be on Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando who made centuries in the first ODI and put on 206 in the match-winning total, the highest partnership against the Kiwis in matches between the two countries.
In the end, New Zealand didn’t get close to the 221 they required off 27 overs finishing at 175 for 9.
Kusal’s 143 off 128 was also his highest individual score.
Much for New Zealand today will depend on how their openers Will Young and Tim Robinson set about laying the foundation after they put on 88 runs for the first wicket in the rain curtailed first ODI.
