Sri Lanka have been in excellent form, securing numerous victories in recent matches. Currently, they are hosting New Zealand in an ODI series and claimed the first game with a strong all-round performance. The action now shifts from Dambulla to Pallekele, where New Zealand will aim to level the series on Sunday.
In the opening match, Sri Lanka posted an impressive total of 324, thanks to centuries from Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium pitch report
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium offers balanced pitches, with an average first-innings score of 248. However, high-scoring games, like Pathum Nissanka’s double ton against Afghanistan in February 2024, show its potential for big totals. The pitch remains favorable for chasing, as it doesn’t slow down significantly in the second innings. Pacers can find movement under lights, while spinners play a supporting role. Teams winning the toss often prefer to chase, with scores around 300 being competitive but achievable targets.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Stats
| Total Matches | 45 |
| Matches won batting first | 17 |
| Matches won bowling first | 26 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 248 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 204 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 381/3 (50 Ovs) by SL vs AFG |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 70/10 (24.4 Ovs) by ZIM vs SL |
| Highest Score Chased | 314/6 (49.4 Ovs) by SL vs AFG |
| Lowest Score Defended | 206/9 (36 Ovs) by WI vs SL |
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand squad
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitch Hay (wk), Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Nathan Smith, Dean Foxcroft
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushan Hemantha, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Mohamed Shiraz
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