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Sri Lanka and New Zealand are all set to lock horns in the second and final Test of their series, starting on September 26 at the iconic Galle International Stadium. After a thrilling contest in the first Test, the hosts, Sri Lanka, secured a narrow 63-run victory, showcasing their resilience in a hard-fought match.
Despite a determined effort from New Zealand, the Sri Lankan side managed to come out on top, taking the lead in the series. The Islanders will now be aiming for a repeat performance as they look to clinch the series with a win in Galle.
For the Black Caps, the focus will be on bouncing back and leveling the series. With a strong squad and valuable lessons from the first Test, New Zealand will hope to regroup and put up a solid fight to avoid a series defeat. The second Test promises to deliver another intense battle as both sides push for glory in the concluding match of the series.
SL vs NZ: Head to Head Record in Tests:
Matches played: 39 | Sri Lanka won: 10 | New Zealand won: 18 | Draw: 11
Test Stats and Records at Galle International Stadium:
- Matches played: 45
- Matches won batting first: 24
- Matches won bowling first: 15
- Average 1st innings scores: 364
- Average 2nd innings scores: 314
- Average 3rd innings scores: 236
- Average 4th innings scores: 159
- Highest total recorded: 704/3 (151 Ov) by Sri Lanka vs Ireland
- Lowest total recorded: 73/10 (28.5 Ov) by South Africa vs Sri Lanka
SL vs NZ: Galle International Stadium Pitch Report:
The Galle International Stadium, nestled against the scenic backdrop of the historic Galle Fort and the Indian Ocean, is renowned for being a haven for spin bowlers, especially as the match wears on. In the first two days, fast bowlers can take advantage of some seam movement and swing, thanks to the moisture and humidity in the air. However, this assistance diminishes quickly as the pitch begins to break down. From Day 3 onward, spinners take control, with the dry surface providing significant turn, bounce, and unpredictable variations, making it increasingly challenging for batters to navigate.
Also READ: SL vs NZ 2024, 2nd Test: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand
SL vs NZ: Galle Weather Forecast:
The weather forecast for Galle over the next five days points to a potentially rain-affected Test match. On Day 1, September 26, afternoon showers are expected with a high of 30°C, and winds from the WNW at 15 to 25 km/h, with a 50% chance of rain. Day 2 is forecast to be partly cloudy with a high of 30°C and similar wind conditions. On Day 3, afternoon thunderstorms are likely, with a high of 30°C, winds from the WNW at 10 to 15 km/h, and a 70% chance of rain. Day 4 will see thunderstorms throughout, with a high of 30°C, winds from the ESE at 10 to 15 km/h, and another 70% chance of rain. Day 5 brings more thunderstorms, with a high of 29°C, winds from the SE at 10 to 15 km/h, and a 70% chance of rain.
SL vs NZ 2024: Playing XI of both teams
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (c), Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, Ben Sears
