SL vs. NZ: 2nd Test – Can New Zealand overcome their defeat from the first Test?
Teams to be updated after the toss
Match details:
Tournament: ICC World Test Championship
Venue: P Sara Oval, Colombo
Date: August 22, 2019
Time: 10:00 AM IST
Preview:
Sri Lanka is expected to deploy its strongest XI when they face New Zealand in the second and final test to wrap up a home series with a win. Moreover, the hosts claimed victory in the first Test with the help of Dimuth Karunaratne's century in second innings and as a result, it's unlikely they are going to tweak their winning combinations.
While, on the other hand, the Blackcaps will be hoping that Kane Williamson will get some runs under his belt. While Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls will be the key players in the middle-order. However, New Zealand will want to get back to their winning form in the pursuit of ICC World Test Championship.
Weather report:
Weather condition is not good throughout this week in Colombo as there are strong chances of rain with thunderstorms every day as of now.
Pitch report:
The pitch of P Sara Oval looks different as it is expected to support more pace and bounce than other venues here in Sri Lanka.
Injuries:
No latest injuries have been reported by both teams for this match.
Probable Playing XI:
Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka's Test specialist Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne are back into the form and will remain the
SL vs. NZ: 2nd Test – Can New Zealand overcome their defeat from the first Test?
Teams to be updated after the toss
Match details:
Tournament: ICC World Test Championship
Venue: P Sara Oval, Colombo
Date: August 22, 2019
Time: 10:00 AM IST
Preview:
Sri Lanka is expected to deploy its strongest XI when they face New Zealand in the second and final test to wrap up a home series with a win. Moreover, the hosts claimed victory in the first Test with the help of Dimuth Karunaratne's century in second innings and as a result, it's unlikely they are going to tweak their winning combinations.
While, on the other hand, the Blackcaps will be hoping that Kane Williamson will get some runs under his belt. While Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls will be the key players in the middle-order. However, New Zealand will want to get back to their winning form in the pursuit of ICC World Test Championship.
Weather report:
Weather condition is not good throughout this week in Colombo as there are strong chances of rain with thunderstorms every day as of now.
Pitch report:
The pitch of P Sara Oval looks different as it is expected to support more pace and bounce than other venues here in Sri Lanka.
Injuries:
No latest injuries have been reported by both teams for this match.
Probable Playing XI:
Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka's Test specialist Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne are back into the form and will remain the key players at the top. While Angelo Mathews along with Kusal Perera will control the middle-order. Moreover, looking at the bowling options Akila Dananjaya and Lasith Embuldeniya will be their main front-line bowlers.
Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara
New Zealand:
Kane Williamson didn't have a great outing in the first Test where he scored just four runs but remains one of the key players along with Ross Taylor. While, in the bowling department Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Ajaz Patel will have the job of providing early breakthroughs in order to draw this series.
Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (WK), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Will Somerville, Trent Boult, Ajaz Patel
Top Picks:
Wicket-keeper: BJ Watling (9 credits)
The wicket-keeper batsman scored 77 in the second innings of the first Test match when spinners are really up in the match. However, is an important player for the Blackcaps in the middle-order as he plays excellent shots against the spin attack.
Batsman: Ross Taylor (10 credits)
The experienced middle-order once again will be the key man in the Blackcaps line-up who is coming into this match after scoring 86 & 3 runs in the first Test. Moreover, one of the best players of spinners where we can expect another big inning from him.
All-rounder: Dhananjaya de Silva (8.5 credits)
The first Test match has not gone well for him with the bat however, he managed to pick three wickets in the second innings. Moreover, de Silva will be looking to turn things around in the second Test with the bat for his side.
Bowler: Trent Boult (9 credits)
The left-arm pacer took three wickets across the first Test by bowling tight line and length and moreover, he is just one wicket away from claiming his 250th Test wicket as he is expected to get that in a pace friendly wicket.
Captaincy options:
The experienced Ross Taylor impressed with the bat in the first Test with an 86 runs in the first innings and should do well in the second Test as well. So, he will be the best option to have him as a captain.
Dream11 team:
Extra:
- In 2012 at this venue Kane Williamson scored 135 and 18 runs while Ross Taylor smashed 142 and 74 runs in both innings.
- In 2012 at this venue Trent Boult claimed seven wickets and Tim Southee picked eight wickets against Sri Lanka. Both pacers are important for this match as well.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are of the author and is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn.
