The New Zealand cricket team will look to go level against Sri Lanka in the second T20 International (T20I) of a three-match series at University Oval in Dunedin on Wednesday. The match will start at 6:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Sri Lanka, the reigning Asia Cup champions, won the first match of the series in the Super Over after the match ended in a tie. They looked the likelier side to win the match after putting on 196/5 on board but New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi struck a final-ball six after Daryl Mitchell’s fighting 66 to take the match into the Super Over.
Maheesh Theekshana restricted New Zealand to 8/2 in the Super Over before Charith Asalanka chased it down after his 67 off 41 in the first innings.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Dream11 prediction for 2nd T20I
Sri Lanka might have drawn the first blood in this three-match T20I series but the hosts have had the upper hand on most occasions recently. New Zealand blanked Sri Lanka 2-0 in the Test series earlier on this tour and beat them 2-0 once again in the three-match One Day International (ODI) series.
Sri Lanka’s win against New Zealand on Sunday was their first victory on this tour so expect the Kiwis to come out all guns blazing in Dunedin on Wednesday.
New Zealand also holds a positive head-to-head record against Sri Lanka in T20Is. In the 20 matches played between them, New Zealand has won on 11 occasions while Sri Lanka has clinched seven victories and two wins in Super Over.
Kiwi opener Tim Seifert, captain Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, and Adam Milne are some of the top players in the New Zealand line-up in the absence of Kane Williamson.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be relying on the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, and Charith Asalanka to deliver the goods and pocket the T20I series with a match to spare.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Dream11 team tips for 2nd T20I
Top tip: Best batter - Charith Asalanka
Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka stood out as a batter in the first T20I and there’s no reason to doubt his abilities for the second match. While there are others in the Sri Lankan as well as Kiwi lineup who have greater records in T20Is, Charith Asalanka certainly looked the best in form batter on Monday. Expect him to fire again.
Top tip: Best bowler - Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga is one of the most feared spinners going around in recent years. He is a wily operator with a dozen variations up his sleeves. Wanindu Hasaranga was Sri Lanka’s most economical bowler on Sunday with the figures of 2/30 in four overs and expect him to produce more of the same in the second T20I. He can also contribute with the bat, making him a wise pick for your fantasy team.
Top tip: Best all-rounder - James Neesham
Known for his hard-hitting ability and express pace, James Neesham can take the match away from the opposition with an onslaught down the order. He can also rattle the batters with ball in hand and will be keen to have a bigger impact than he did in the first T20I. He is one of the top all-rounders in world cricket at the moment and scored 19 off 10 after taking 2/30 in four overs on Sunday.
Top tip: Best wicketkeeper - Tom Latham
Tom Latham, who scored a 16-ball 27 in the first T20I - is an integral part of New Zealand across formats. He is the captain of the current team and leads New Zealand from the front with his batting and leadership skills. He is also one of the safest pairs of hands behind the wickets and makes for a prudent addition to your fantasy team.
Photo Credit: Alamy
