Sri Lanka cricket team led by Dasun Shanaka has an uphill task when they meet New Zealand in their second ODI of the three match series in Christchurch commencing at 6.30 a.m (SrI Lanka time). After losing the first match by a huge margin of 198 runs, Sri Lanka tried to build up a good mentality to play today’s game while their poor batting performance is the big issue before the second game .

Sri Lanka was dismissed for 76 runs in just 19.5 overs at Auckland and this was never expected from Dasun Shanaka’s team while bowlers and fielders were doing a decent job which is the only plus factor from the first ODI.

In fact defeat in the first match of the series was a major drawback while Sri Lanka’s , look set to miss direct qualification for the ODI World Cup and forced to play in the qualifiers .The dressing room atmosphere is not good while all team players are determined to do well today as their failure in the first game is a lesson to all batters. The openers Pathum Nissanka and Nuwanindu Fernando couldn’t give a good start while Nuwanindu was back in the pavilion being run out and has been run out thrice in his three innings .Nissanka who came to the team after recoveing from injury couldn’t strike form during the National Super league one dayers and Nissanka has to strike form to make a good start said cricket expert who is not willing to disclose his name. Sri Lankan batters are not consistent and this is the major issue while key spinner Wanindu Hasaranga recently did not perform well at ODI’s and this is also worrying and team management and players should discuss these issues and solve them

Meanwhile Sri Lanka is looking to make only one change with all rounder Dhananjaya de Silva replacing paceman Dilshan Madushanka. In fact only other all rounder Sahan Arachchige is also in the squad and he could be the back up player for Dhananjaya de Silva .

Sri Lanka is going to play only two pacemen and they consider Chamika Karunaratne as the third seamer who got his best figures of 4 for 34 in the first ODI at Auckland. Lahitu Kumara and Kasun Rajitha will retain their places today while number seven batting slot goes to Dhananjaya de Silva.

Meanwhile New Zealand will make two changes to the side that thumped Sri Lanka by 198 runs in the first ODI, as Allen and Glenn Phillips have left the country to play in the IPL. While Henry Nicholls who scored a brilliant double century in the second test is likely to open in Allen’s place, Mark Chapman might come in for Phillips.

In addition New Zealand can ensure they finish at the top of the Super League table with one more victory. This is mainly for bragging rights, and a validation of their excellent ODI form over the past three years, though they did lose their last series 3-0 in India – that wasn’t part of the Super League either.

Mainly, though, the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Christchurch will be another audition for those pressing for World Cup spots.Henry Shipley’s five-wicket haul to win the first game will have caught the selectors’ eyes, while Finn Allen’s 51 and 23 year old all rounder Rachin Ravindra’s 49 lower down the order will also have impressed and Kiwis are satisfied with these newcomers achievements. However Christchurch weather forecast stated that rain will interrupt today’s game It might be a delayed start or later in the evening rain might interrupt the game.