New Zealand v Sri Lanka Second Test Tips: Lankans can complete job this time

• Sri Lanka deserve more respect

• Williamson boosted to 10/3

• Chandimal underrated

New Zealand v Sri Lanka
Thursday 16 March, 22:00
TV: Live on BT Sports

Team news

New Zealand won another nailbiter following on from the miracle of Wellington to make it two wins on the spin. But their key men are dropping like flies.

Neil Wagner is out with a back and hamstring problem. Matt Henry is a major doubt with a cut to a finger. Doug Bracewell and Scot Kuggeleijn could come in.

Possible XI: Latham, Conway, Williamson, Nicholls, Mitchell, Blundell, Bracewell, Kuggeleijn, Bracewell, Southee, Tickner

Sri Lanka battled hard in game one and will feel aggrieved that they were pipped at the last. Still, that they fought back - and so hard - should mean confidence remains high.

As Angelo Mathews said halfway through the Test, they have the pace bowlers to do damage in these conditions. And there is a lot to like about a gritty top order which includes Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal.

Probable XI: Oshada, Dimuth, Kusal, Mathews, Chandimal, Dhananjya, Dickwella, Rajitha, Pranath, Lahiru, Asitha,

Pitch report

The Basin Reserve has been tricky to bat on for tourists. In eight innings the highest score was 317 involving India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Then England made 435 on it. But we did note that the new ball did an awful lot in three of those four innings so expect early wickets with the cherry and then go long of runs if you're playing.

How to play

The draw is skinny at 3.052/1 because there is some poor weather forecast for day one. But it's bright after that and it's hard to see a stalemate occuring.

We haven't been impressed by the Kiwis this winter and now they are depleted further (remember Trent Boult is also unavailable), they are worth taking on.

Given how Sri Lanka battled until the last it is a surprise they are 10.09/1. They should be better for the run and although they have limitations, their durability is impressive. Almost New Zealand-esque in fact.

Tops value

Kane Willaimson was the difference between the sides in game one with that fabulous fourth-innings ton. He is boosted to 10/3 for a first-innings top-bat effort. The 11/10 that he scores a fifty in the same may also prove popular.

For Sri Lanka we're keen on Dinesh Chandimal at 5/1. He has a fine record in New Zealand showed aptitude for the battle.