Sri Lanka look to save T20I series

Overview
Sri Lanka v New Zealand, 2nd T20I
Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele
3 September, 7:00pm local, 01:30pm GMT

Despite allowing Sri Lanka to score in the late overs and cross 170, New Zealand showed depth in their batting and registered a comfortable win in the first T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. While Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out with a broken thumb, the visitors have plenty of options in place. Their only concern will be seamer Seth Rance, who leaked 58 runs in his four overs and failed to take a wicket.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are still in the process of rebuilding a solid T20I side. With the T20 World Cup only a year away, they need plenty of improvement. Their batting order is not consistent and their bowling looked vulnerable against New Zealand's attack. Malinga continues to be his threatening self but the other young bowlers need to step up. The home side will be particularly impressed with Wanidu Hasaranga, who made his T20I debut in the last game and was the most economical bowler of the lot.

Remember the last timeBatting first in the first game, Sri Lanka were spurred on by Kusal Mendis' 53-ball 79 and some late hitting by the middle order to post a competitive 174/4. They gained early advantage when they reduced the visitors to 39/3 in the eighth over. However, Colin de Grandhomme, who was promoted to No.4, paired with veteran Ross Taylor to put up a match-saving 79-run stand.The hosts clawed back with the wickets of the two batsmen but Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner held their nerve to take New Zealand over the line with five wickets and three balls to spare.

What they said

Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka captain: "They [youngsters] are not experienced under these conditions. We batted well [in the first T20I], this is the way to get forward. They have to take opportunities.

Ross Taylor, New Zealand batsman: "We probably didn't field as well as we would have liked to [in the first T20I]. [But] happy to get the win. The T20 World Cup is only one year away and we have our big focus on it."

ConditionsWhile thunderstorms are expected in the morning, chances of rain diminish in the afternoon. It will be cloudy throughout the day with a high of 23°C. While the conditions seem like they might favour fast bowlers, spinners did equally well in the last game.