Cricket

Sri Lanka, the current series leaders, opted to field first in the second ODI against New Zealand at Pallekele. The decision was influenced by the likelihood of dew in the evening, which could make batting easier later on. New Zealand, on the other hand, were undecided about their preferred choice but were content to bat first on a favorable track.Both teams made minimal changes to their lineups. New Zealand retained their unchanged XI, while Sri Lanka replaced seamer Dilshan Madushanka with spin-bowling allrounder Dunith Wellalage. This move reflects the spin-friendly nature of the Pallekele pitch, with both sides opting for just one frontline seam option.The match commenced on a hot and humid afternoon, with a possibility of rain in the evening. However, the weather is not expected to significantly impact the outcome. Sri Lanka has a strong record at Pallekele, having won seven of their last eight ODIs there. Notably, the last four matches at this venue have been won by the chasing team.Sri Lanka:1. Pathum Nissanka2. Avishka Fernando3. Kusal Mendis (wk)4. Sadeera Samarawickrama5. Charith Asalanka (capt.)6. Kamindu Mendis7. Janith Liyanage8. Dunith Wellalage9. Maheesh Theekshana10. Jeffrey Vandersay11. Asitha FernandoNew Zealand:1. Tim Robinson2. Will Young3. Hentry Nicholls4. Mark Chapman5. Glenn Phillips6. Mitchell Hay (wk)7. Michael Bracewell8. Mitchell Santner (capt.)9. Nathan Smith10. Ish Sodhi11. Jacob Duffy

Sri Lanka Dominate New Zealand in Second ODI, Sealing Convincing VictoryIn a rain-affected second ODI at Pallekele, Sri Lanka emerged victorious, extending their lead in the three-match series. Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that proved advantageous.The New Zealand innings got off to a shaky start as they lost early wickets. Will Young and Tim Robinson were dismissed cheaply, leaving the visitors reeling at 20/2. Henry Nicholls and Mark Chapman attempted to rebuild the innings, but their efforts were cut short by the Sri Lankan bowlers.Sri Lanka's spinners, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand's scoring. Theekshana claimed three wickets, while Vandersay picked up two. Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips provided some resistance, but the New Zealand innings eventually folded for a modest 185 runs in 43.1 overs.In response, Sri Lanka's openers, Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, gave their team a solid start. Nissanka scored a fluent 55, while Fernando contributed 32. Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama also made valuable contributions, helping Sri Lanka reach their target with ease.Sri Lanka chased down the total in just 34.3 overs, losing only three wickets. Charith Asalanka remained unbeaten on 38, while Kamindu Mendis chipped in with 27.The victory gives Sri Lanka a 2-0 lead in the series, with the final ODI scheduled to be played on August 1.

Sri Lanka and New Zealand will clash in the second ODI of their three-match series on Sunday, November 17, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The hosts, Sri Lanka, hold a 1-0 lead after securing a 45-run victory in the series opener.In the first ODI, Sri Lanka posted a formidable 324-5 in 49.2 overs, thanks to Kusal Mendis' career-best 143 and Avishka Fernando's 100. New Zealand, chasing a revised target of 221 off 27 overs due to rain, fell short at 175-9.New Zealand will be eager to level the series and will look to their experienced players, including captain Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, and Trent Boult, to lead the charge. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will aim to maintain their momentum and secure a series victory.The match will begin at 02:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 02:00 PM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website, as well as the FanCode app and website.Sri Lanka's victory in the first ODI was a significant boost for the team, which has struggled in recent months. Mendis and Fernando's centuries were crucial in setting up the win, while the bowlers, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, performed admirably.New Zealand, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance in the first match. They will need to improve their batting and bowling if they want to level the series.The second ODI promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams. Sri Lanka will be confident after their victory in the first match, while New Zealand will be determined to bounce back and level the series.

Sri Lanka and West Indies will face off in the second ODI of a three-match series in Pallekele on Wednesday, with the hosts aiming to secure a white-ball series double. Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the rain-hit ODI opener on Monday, while West Indies will be determined to force a decider in the final match on Saturday.Sri Lanka's squad boasts a blend of experience and youth, with Kusal Mendis leading the charge as captain. Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Charith Asalanka provide stability in the batting lineup, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana offer spin options.West Indies, on the other hand, will rely on the experience of Shai Hope, who will captain the side. Brandon King, Keacy Carty, and Sherfane Rutherford form a formidable batting unit, while Alzarri Joseph and Hayden Walsh provide pace and spin, respectively.The first ODI was a closely contested affair, with Sri Lanka ultimately prevailing by 1 wicket. West Indies will be eager to level the series and force a decider, while Sri Lanka will be determined to seal the series victory.The match will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, which has hosted numerous memorable matches in the past. The pitch is expected to be conducive to both batting and bowling, promising an exciting contest.

West Indies Opt to Bat First in ODI Series Opener Against Sri LankaIn the first of three ODIs at Pallekele, West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka. The decision came after Sri Lanka's 2-1 victory in the T20I leg of the tour.Hope expressed his team's determination to put the T20 series disappointment behind them, while Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka also indicated his preference for batting first.Sri Lanka's team features three spinners in Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Dunith Wellalage, along with Asitha Fernando as the lone seamer. Janith Liyanage provides additional medium-pace options. Notably, star opener Pathum Nissanka is absent due to a quadricep injury, with Nishan Madushka making his ODI debut in his place.West Indies have also opted for an additional spin option in leg-spinner Hayden Walsh, joining Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase. Alick Athanaze offers another spin option, while Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Romario Shepherd provide seam bowling.The Pallekele pitch has traditionally favored seam bowling, but its current dry condition with visible tracks suggests that spin will play a significant role. However, the slow turn expected may encourage batters to work the outfielders on the spacious ground.Sri Lanka XI:* Nishan Madushka* Kusal Mendis (wk)* Avishka Fernando* Kamindu Mendis* Charith Asalanka (capt)* Sadeera Samarawickrama* Janith Liyanage* Wanindu Hasaranga* Dunith Wellalage* Jeffrey Vandersay* Asitha FernandoWest Indies XI:* Brandon King* Alick Athanaze* Shai Hope (capt, wk)* Keacy Carty* Sherfane Rutherford* Roston Chase* Romario Shepherd* Hayden Walsh* Gudakesh Motie* Jayden Seales* Alzarri Joseph