Cricket

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Tips & Betting Predictions - Commanding hosts to win again

By Nikhil Kalro

05 Feb 2025

Nikhil Kalro 05 Feb 2025

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New Zealand won the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Wellington
Matt Henry took 4 for 10, limiting Sri Lanka to 178 all out
Can Sri Lanka keep the series alive?

New Zealand and Sri Lanka (Getty Images)

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Second ODI
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Team News
Sri Lanka Form
Sri Lanka Team News

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Second ODI

New Zealand put in a masterful performance of bowling in windy conditions to complete a clinical win in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka in Wellington.

New Zealand made the best of tricky batting conditions to bundle Sri Lanka out for just 178. It was the blustery wind from one end of the Basin Reserve, which has an open stadium structure that allowed for Matt Henry and the rest of New Zealand’s bowlers to use swing to roll Sri Lanka out.

Henry finished with stellar figures of 4 for 10 in 10 overs while Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith picked up two wickets apiece as Sri Lanka could only muster 43.4 overs with the bat. Avishka Fernando picked up a fighting fifty (56 off 63 balls) while Sri Lanka collapsed to 23 for 4 around him.

While Sri Lanka’s middle order fought with cameos, their total of 178 was nowhere near enough. Wanindu Hasaranga scored 35 off 33 while Janith Liyanage managed 36 off 54 balls.

In response, New Zealand made a sparkling start as openers Rachin Ravindra and Will Young put on a 93-run stand. Ravindra was dismissed for 45 while Young went on to make an unbeaten 90 off just 86 balls as New Zealand completed the win with nine wickets and over 23 overs to spare.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand have plenty to look forward to as the series moves to Hamilton. There won’t be as much wind but there could still be lots of swing and seam on offer. Even with a new-look, inexperienced team, New Zealand are looking terrific in these conditions.

"The way we started with the ball, we were able to create pressure at both ends, and take wickets throughout, which is our key objective as a bowling group," Henry said.

"Any time you get the new ball you want to have an impact on the game. It's nice to have that success, but you don't have that without the guys doing the job at the other end as well.

"Starting with the new ball down-breeze, the way Duffy started and Smith as well - that's how chances come as well. I thought it was a great team performance."

New Zealand Team News

New Zealand are unlikely to make changes to their playing XI after such a strong performance in the opening match of the series.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have several concerns, particularly with their batting in tough conditions.

There will be some respite as the series moves to a venue that is a bit more batting-friendly than the first match but there are several gaps against quality seam bowling that need to be plugged by Sri Lanka’s top order.

Sri Lanka Team News

None of Sri Lanka’s main bowlers could put any pressure on New Zealand’s batters, which is an additional cause for concern. Still, they may get another game in tandem before Sri Lanka consider wholesale changes to their main team.

Verdict

Sri Lanka are likely to put in a much better performance as the series moves to Hamilton, where some more runs could be offer.

However, evidence from the first game suggests that improvement may not be quick enough against a team that is confident and spirited in these conditions.

New Zealand should seal the series with another commanding display in Hamilton in the second ODI.

New Zealand Win

Match Result

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