It was very disappointing for New Zealand side that the rain came in favour of the home team in the last match when they had broken a very important partnership and their spinners were exerting a good pressure on the new batting pair but rain has its final say as Sri Lanka was declared  the winner on the Duckworth Lewis rule.So, at present Sri Lankans are ahead with a 1-0 lead in the five match one day series and New Zealand needs to win tomorrow if they dont want to make the last match  a dead rubber.

The strategy adopted by New Zealand in the last match was a very much effective one.They went on to preserve the wickets in the first thirty overs and then they started to blast after that.Had ross taylor not gone in the 48th over,they could have easily achieved a target around 285 with his hard hitting capabilities.This strategy seems to be the best way to go with the new ICC rules.The batsmen have  five overs of batting powerplay to hit and having only four fielders outside the ring after that provides them with a healthy chance to score runs with wickets in their hands.

Sri Lanka had a very good start in the last match with the early wicket of Tom Latham but they  would also like to get more early wickets as they know that handling Taylor and other powerful New Zealand hitters in the dead overs will be quite difficult with wickets in their hands.As always,Sri Lankan batting revolves around the master class of those three batsmen,Dilshan, Mahela and Sanga and getting 3 or 4 wickets soon will be the aim of New Zealand bowlers.Sri Lanka is full of allrounders and it will depend on their captain that how he uses them.Jeevan Mendis holds a lot of talent and exploring his talent should be an important aim for Mahela as these players hold the key to the future of Sri Lankan cricket.

Again,there is a lot of overcast for a rainy day tomorrow in Pallekele. Showers in the morning and evening is predicted.So,it still  remains with the rain god that he grants a game tomorrow or not.So far we did not have any match without the rain.Lets see what happens tomorrow.

Angelo Mathews will be a player to watch with his all round capability.He has always been good in creating pressure by stopping the runs and can provide some breakthroughs.He has got a variety in his bowling and everyone knows how dangerous he can get with the bat if he gets going.So,it will be good to watch out for him tomorrow.

Less has been told and heard about BJ Watling who came as a replacement for Brendon Mcculum but the way he batted along with Nicol under pressure and the shots he played was worth noticing.He did not know much about the Sri Lankan conditions but the way he crafted out his innings was excellent.His team will expect similar shows from him in the next match.

Sri Lanka will not like to make a change to their team unless there is an injury or a stomach bug.

SRI LANKA: M Jayawardene, A Mathews, K Sangakkara, TM Dilshan, U Tharanga, L thiramane, J Mendis, T Perera, L Malinga, N Kulasekara, R Herath

New Zealand would like to give a comeback to Brendon Mcculum if he is fit enought to take the field.Ellis and Taylor received the treament for gastroenteritis.While Ellis is doubtful,Taylor is expected to be fit tomorrow.If brendon comes back then Latham will have to take the exit door.Oram will be expected to take the place for Ellis.

NEW ZEALAND: R Taylor, B Mcculum, M Nicol, BJ Watling, K Williamson, J Franklin,J Oram, N Mcculum, T Boult, T Southee, K Mills

hope the weather stays fine tomorrow and we get to see some good cricketing actions.till then,have a good day..cheers!!!

~ by deepak kumar