The second T20I game between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is scheduled to be held on 30th December 2024 at Bay Oval Cricket Stadium. The first match was an absolute treat for the cricket fans as the nail biting thriller was won by the kiwi squad by a mere 8 runs. Jacob Duffy was named the man of the match for his stellar spell of 3 for 21. Fans have high hopes from Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand’s skipper to continue with the winning streak and provide their home crowd with something to celebrate with. Let’s see if the Sri Lankan squad allows Santner to do this.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can tune in to watch NZ Vs Sri live on Tens Sports and A Sports in Pakistan and Sky Sports Network in the UK. This match will be streamed at 11:15 am PST, 11:45 am IST, and 6:15 am GMT.
Team Analysis
As demonstrated in the last match, the Kiwi squad’s biggest strength is their fiery batting line-up. Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell deserve special praise for being a superior duo in T20Is, showcasing versatility and consistency. Mitchell’s powerful hitting and ability to anchor innings complement Bracewell’s adaptability and innovative stroke play. Both contribute under pressure, often turning games in New Zealand’s favor, as can be seen in the 1st T20I. Their partnership extends beyond batting, with Bracewell’s off-spin and Mitchell’s all-round capabilities adding depth. Together, they provide a dynamic edge to the Kiwi lineup in T20 cricket.
Mitchell Santner has proven to be a valuable asset for New Zealand in T20 Internationals, both as a captain and a spinner. He has captained the T20I side in 24 matches, securing 13 wins and 9 losses, reflecting a commendable leadership record. With the ball, Santner has an economy rate of 6.34 which underscores his ability to contain runs effectively. Notably, he achieved the number one spot in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, highlighting his prowess in the format. Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry are two other experienced bowlers in the kiwi line-up and these players can limit the Sri Lankan squad to a low total, provided that they bowl first.
Sri Lanka’s T20I squad faces several challenges against New Zealand in this series. A notable deficiency is the inexperience in the lower middle order and tail-end batting, which often struggle under pressure in high-stakes matches, resulting in undesirable outcomes. Additionally, while the spin department is strong, the fast-bowling unit lacks depth, potentially limiting effectiveness on New Zealand’s pace-friendly pitches. However, it is also vital to mention the biggest strength in the guest squad. This is their superior opening pair consisting of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. They have superb stats of opening partnerships and aid their team by providing a favourable start to the team’s batting innings.
Match Insights And Conclusion
The pitch at Bay Oval Cricket Stadium is known to favour pacers. Keeping this parameter in mind, the kiwi line-up enjoys an inherent advantage due to the presence of a senior pacer like Matt Henry. The key impact players for this game include Daryl Mitchell, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, and Rachin Ravindra. If you want to watch NZ Vs Sri live, scroll above and click on the link provided.
