New Zealand will be eyeing a series-clinching win when they take on Sri Lanka in the second ODI of the NZ vs SL ongoing series. game is scheduled to be played on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
The Blackcaps have taken the lead in the series after thrashing Sri Lanka by 9 wickets in the first ODI. Riding on Matt Henry’s brilliant 4-wicket haul, New Zealand bowled out Sri Lanka for just 178 runs.
In reply, they chased down the total with utmost ease. The home side crossed the finishing line inside 27 overs by losing only 1 wicket. Will Young led the charge with the bat for the Blackcaps, scoring an unbeaten 90 while also sharing fifty-plus stands with Rachin Ravindra (45) and Mark Chapman (29*).
With the Blackcaps looking to register another victory, we are taking a look at the New Zealand Playing 11 for the second ODI.
New Zealand Playing 11 vs Sri Lanka – 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25:
Openers: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra
Will Young and Rachin Ravindra look set to be the openers in New Zealand Playing 11 for the second game. Both the openers did well with the bat in the first ODI against Sri Lanka and will be eyeing a similar performance in the second game as well.
While the hosts were chasing a very modest total, a poor start with the bat could have made things trickier for them. However, Young and Ravindra did not let Sri Lanka make early inroads in the game.
The duo shared a 93-run stand for the first wicket to all but end Sri Lanka’s slim chances of winning the game. Young also shared an unbeaten stand of 87 runs with Mark Chapman for the second wicket. Will Young remained unbeaten on 90 while Ravindra departed after scoring 45.
Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith
Mark Chapman also played a handy knock in the first ODI. The onus was on him to ensure that the Blackcaps did not throw away the good start and he did not disappoint. Chapman scored an unbeaten 29 runs while sharing an unbeaten stand of 87 runs with Young for the second wicket.
The likes of Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Hay did get the chance to bat or bowl in the first game. They are looking set to retain their spot in the Playing 11 for the upcoming game.
On a pitch that assisted the pacers more, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner not only picked up a wicket but also bowled an economical spell. In 7 overs, the left-arm spinner conceded just 27 runs while dismissing a well-set Janith Liyanage for 36.
Nathan Smith impressed with the ball as well. The 26-year-old allrounder picked up 2 wickets while giving away 43 runs in 8 overs. Smith bowled a couple of maiden overs as well.
Bowlers: Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, William O’Rourke
The bowling lineup in the New Zealand Playing 11 is unlikely to have any change following the bowlers’ impressive display in the first ODI. Matt Henry did a brilliant job while leading the pace attack. The senior pacer picked up 4 wickets for just 19 runs in his 10 overs. Henry was also adjudged the Player of the Match for his effort.
Jacob Duffy continued his fine run, picking up 2 wickets for 39 runs. On the other hand, William O’Rourke went wicketless for 50 runs but is expected to be in the New Zealand Playing 11 for the second game.