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September 26, 2024
New Zealand has some positive takeaways from the first Test and aims to level the series in the upcoming match. Despite losing their first Test in Galle by an innings and 16 runs, they faced subsequent defeats of 202 runs, 10 wickets, six wickets, and, most recently, 63 runs. Although they haven’t secured a victory yet, the margins of defeat have narrowed with each match, indicating improvements in their performance.
As they prepare for the Test starting Thursday, New Zealand is eager to close that gap further. A win would boost their confidence and be vital for their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final. This upcoming match presents a crucial opportunity for them to turn the tide.
Looking ahead, New Zealand will face a challenging three-Test tour in India, which is expected to be one of the most difficult assignments in the sport. Securing a victory in the upcoming Test is essential for maintaining momentum and keeping their hopes alive as they approach this daunting series.
New Zealand was closer to victory in the first Test than the final result suggests. Daryl Mitchell was batting well on 57 when he was run out on the second morning, which may have prevented them from building a vital first-innings lead. Given the condition of the pitch, it’s uncertain how Sri Lanka would have reacted if New Zealand had taken control. While Sri Lanka is a skilled team familiar with the local conditions, New Zealand showcased its talent with players like Ajaz Patel, Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, and Rachin Ravindra, who performed well on the challenging Galle surface.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka is riding a wave of positive momentum under interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya. After a disappointing Test at Lord’s, they bounced back by competing fiercely in Manchester and winning an ODI series against India for the first time since the late 1990s. They have achieved two consecutive Test victories this year, previously defeating Bangladesh twice away from home. Their bowlers have been critical to this success, while the batters have also stepped up to contribute.
A win in Galle would boost Sri Lanka’s World Test Championship (WTC) percentage points to 56, bringing them closer to Australia, which currently sits at 62.5%. With their recent performances, Sri Lanka wants to continue their winning streak and strengthen their position in the championship race.
Sri Lanka’s recent match results are Win, Win, Loss, Loss, Win (WWLLW), with the most recent match listed first.
In contrast, New Zealand’s recent results are Loss, Loss, Loss, Win, Win (LW).
Dinesh Chandimal has been moved up to the No. 3 batting position despite having a solid, weak record there, with only one fifty in eight innings before the first Test. He accepted this role to allow Kamindu Mendis to bat at No. 5 and Kusal Mendis, the wicketkeeper-batter, to drop down to No. 7. Chandimal made a solid start in his new position, scoring a crucial 61 in the second innings of the first Test. During many innings, his partner, Dimuth Karunaratne, praised Chandimal’s positive approach. It’s unusual for a player with 15 centuries to agree to a shift for less-established teammates. Still, continued success at No. 3 could boost his confidence for future challenges.
Kane Williamson has long been a critical player for New Zealand, and his performance has been a significant predictor of the team’s success over the past 15 years. He averages 81.86 when New Zealand wins, a figure bolstered by his impressive home record. Even in Asia, he maintains a robust average of 71.70 in the six victories he has participated in on the continent. His consistent contributions have made him essential to New Zealand’s batting lineup.
However, Galle has been a challenging ground for Williamson; in six innings there, he averages just 16.50. Despite this struggle, his two best scores at the venue—55 and 30—came in the last match, suggesting he may be on the verge of a significant performance. If he can build on this momentum, it could be crucial for New Zealand as they aim for success in the series.
Galle is known for its challenging pitch, and we can anticipate another spinner-friendly surface. Based on the first Test, expect bowlers like O’Rourke, Southee, and Asitha Fernando to create significant footmarks outside the off stump for left-handed batters and the leg stump for right-handed batters as the game progresses.
Additionally, since we are in southern Sri Lanka in September, we should prepare for brief but intense rain showers throughout the match.
Despite their victory, Sri Lanka has made two changes to their playing XI. Milan Rathnayake, impressed with both bat and ball during his debut tour in England, replaced Lahiru Kumara, who did not take any wickets on the first test. Additionally, Ramesh Mendis has been dropped due to inconsistent performance control. In his place, Sri Lanka has named 27-year-old debutant Nishan Peiris, another offspinner, who has taken 172 first-class wickets at an impressive average of 24.37.
Sri Lanka’s lineup is as follows: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, and Asitha Fernando.
For New Zealand, there is speculation about possibly replacing Mitchell Santner with Michael Bracewell. Santner had a modest performance in the first Test, taking 1 wicket for 115 runs with his left-arm spin and scoring only 2 runs in each innings. The potential lineup for New Zealand includes Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, and either Mitchell Santner or Michael Bracewell, along with Tim Southee (captain), Ajaz Patel, and Will O’Rourke.
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for The Wicket Insider, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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