Sri Lanka Opt to Bowl First in 2nd ODI Against New Zealand at Pallekele

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first in the second One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand at Pallekele on Sunday. The hosts, leading the three-match series 1-0, are looking to build on their momentum and extend their advantage, with the high possibility of evening dew playing a crucial role in the decision to chase.

Dew and Weather Conditions Influence Toss Decision
Sri Lanka's captain Charith Asalanka explained that the team’s decision to bowl first was largely influenced by the expected dew conditions in the evening, which can make chasing easier as the game progresses. The humidity and hot conditions in the afternoon are expected to give way to a chance of rain later, though it is unlikely to prevent a result.

New Zealand's captain, Mitchell Santner, also mentioned that while the visitors were unsure whether they would have bowled first, they were nonetheless happy to take advantage of a good batting track.

Team Changes and Surface Conditions
In terms of team news, New Zealand named an unchanged XI, but Santner hinted that fast bowler Adam Milne could come into contention for the next match. On the other hand, Sri Lanka made one change, bringing in spin-bowling allrounder Dunith Wellalage for seamer Dilshan Madushanka. This move means both teams are fielding just one frontline fast bowler each — Asitha Fernando for Sri Lanka and Jacob Duffy for New Zealand — reflecting the spin-friendly nature of the surface.

Pallekele's Recent ODI History
Pallekele has been a happy hunting ground for Sri Lanka, with the hosts winning seven of their last eight ODIs at the venue. Interestingly, the last four games played here have been won by the team chasing, further emphasizing the importance of the toss in this match.

Weather Outlook
It is expected to be a hot and humid start to the match, with the possibility of rain in the evening. However, despite the wet weather forecast, it is unlikely to interfere with the match, with both teams confident that a result will be possible.

Sri Lanka's Playing XI

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Avishka Fernando
3. Kusal Mendis (wk)
4. Sadeera Samarawickrama
5. Charith Asalanka (capt.)
6. Kamindu Mendis
7. Janith Liyanage
8. Dunith Wellalage
9. Maheesh Theekshana
10. Jeffrey Vandersay
11. Asitha Fernando

New Zealand's Playing XI

1. Tim Robinson
2. Will Young
3. Henry Nicholls
4. Mark Chapman
5. Glenn Phillips
6. Mitchell Hay (wk)
7. Michael Bracewell
8. Mitchell Santner (capt.)
9. Nathan Smith
10. Ish Sodhi
11. Jacob Duffy

With the series poised at 1-0 in Sri Lanka's favour, both teams are set for an exciting encounter, with the hosts looking to seal the series and New Zealand aiming to level things up.