By Srian Obeyesekere
Bucking heavy odds of coming to terms on seaming fast and bouncy New Zealand wickets against a lively Kiwi attack will be the big challenge Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka and his team will face in tomorrow’s first of two T20 series commencing at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganul.
The Lankan batting nucleus will need to better on a past record of finding such bowling attacks a tough entity to cope with in such conditions.
New Zealand though hold team ranking 4th placed high to Sri Lanka’s 7th placing as well as a slight head to head 14 to 10 win record from 25 previous meetings.
Of course, in T20I cricket, Sri Lankax are in decent form having tied their previous 2 match T20I series against New Zealand at home in November this year, and defeated West Indies by 2-1 in October at home.
While Pathum Nissanka has been the Lankans most consistent inform batsman, much dependence will be placed on the hard hitting Kusal Mendis while Skipper Charith Asalanka will need to produce the aggressive run making flair in the short format that he is reputed for. It is left to be seen whether the Lankan team management will opt for the pinch hitting Bhanuka Rajapaksa who is known for his match turning flair despite having a lean run in recent tines.
Meanwhile, the return of Wanindu Hasaranga is a strengthening all-round tonic to boosting Sri Lanka can certainly pack a punch again’s chances against a strong New Zealand outfit.
From a New Zealand perspective Mitchell Santner and his team do carry a sound home form advantage mounted on their durable bowling attack to trouble the Sri Lankans in these conditions. However, Santner will know his opponents’ abilities to deliver a strong counterpunch and expect a strong show from his players.
Tim Robinson and Mark Chapman will look to deliver a good start and put the team in a commanding position. The middle order is strong for the team, and they expect a good show in this game from Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Daryl Mitchell. Mitchell Santner, Zakary Foulkes, and Mitchell Hay strengthen this batting lineup with their hitting abilities.
The bowlers will enjoy bowling in these conditions, and the team expects Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry to rock the Sri Lankan top order. Mitchell Santner will look to use his experience and do well in the middle overs with Zakary Foulkes. Ravindra and Glenn Phillips add variety to this attack, making it strong.
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara
