Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series as they won the first ODI in Dambulla on Wednesday by 45 runs in a rain-curtailed clash. Centuries from Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando helped the home side amass 324/5 in 49.2 overs. A long rain delay reduced the match to 27 overs as New Zealand needed a DLS target of 221 to chase down. However, they could only manage 175/9 as the Sri Lankan bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals after a solid 88-run opening stand between Will Young and Tim Robinson. Sri Lanka will want to wrap up the series with another comprehensive performance on Sunday. However, the Kiwis will take inspiration from their comeback win to square the preceding T20I series. A better performance from the middle-order will be essential for the Blackcaps on Sunday.

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Match Details  

Match	Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI
Venue	Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Date & Time	November 17, Sunday, 2:30 pm IST
Live Broadcast & Streaming Details	Sony LIV & FanCode (App & Website)

Click Here: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2nd T20I - Live Cricket Score

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  Pitch Report 42 ODIs have been played so far in Pallekele. The team batting first has won 16 matches, while chasing teams have emerged victorious of 24 occasions. Chasing teams won all the three games in Pallekele during the recent ODI series between Sri Lanka and the West Indies. However, all the games were rain-curtailed affairs. Rain can be a factor in the initial stages of the second ODI, but fans can expect more action than they saw in Dambulla.

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Head-to-Head Record  

Matches Played	103
Won by Sri Lanka	42
Won by New Zealand	52
Tied	01
No Result	08
First-ever Fixture	June 9, 1979
Most-recent Fixture	November 13, 2024

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  Predicted Playing XIs Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka. New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

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Probable Top Performers Probable Best Batter: Pathum Nissanka Sri Lanka's No. 3 batter - Kusal Mendis played an incredible knock in the first ODI as he scored 143 off just 128 balls, hitting 17 fours and two sixes. The 29-year-old will want to continue from where he left in Dambulla. Mendis is averaging an impressive 47.71 in ODI cricket this year, and the Sri Lankan fans will hope that he plays another match-winning innings on Sunday and helps them win another series at home. Click Here: Most runs in SL vs NZ Probable Best Bowler: Maheesh Theekshana Maheesh Theekshana expect more turn in Pallekele in comparison to Dambulla. He did well in the first ODI as he picked up the two set opening batters in the same over to bring Sri Lanka back in the game. In the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, Theekshana's role becomes much more important. It will be interesting to see how Charith Asalanka uses his premier spinner in a full 50-over game. Click Here: Most Wickets in SL vs NZ

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Today's Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match Scenario 1 Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bowl first Powerplay: 40-50 New Zealand: 210-230 Sri Lanka win the match Scenario 2 New Zealand win the toss and opt to bowl first PP: 45-55 Sri Lanka: 245-265 Sri Lanka win the match