Sri Lanka (SL) and New Zealand (NZ) are set to clash against each other in the second and last test of the 2-match test series as per the scheduled date, which is counted for the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2023–25. The same venue that hosted the first test match will host the forthcoming game as well.
Dhananjaya de Silva’s led side climbed to 3rd position in the WTC 2023–25 points table by achieving a 63-run victory against the visitors Blackcaps and grabbed 50.0 PCT. A win in the next game would seal the series with a 2-0 sweep.
On the other side, New Zealand’s loss under Tim Southee’s captaincy resulted in their position drop to the 4th spot in the points table with 42.85 PCT. However, the 2021 WTC champions would fight back to secure the first two positions in the points table by aiming to level the series with 1-1.
Let’s take a glance at the head-to-head stats of SL vs NZ in test cricket so that you can predict the expected playing XI combination and winner of the upcoming match by analyzing the toss result, weather, and pitch conditions.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2nd Test Match: Schedule, Venue, Timings, and Seating Capacity
You need to know the details regarding the date and day, timings, venue, and stadium’s seating capacity ahead of the 2nd test match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand:
| Date and Day | 26th September 2024 (Thursday) to 30th September 2024 (Monday) |
| Timings | 10:00 AM LOCAL and IST / 4:30 PM NZST (Wellington time) |
| Venue | Galle International Stadium, Galle in Sri Lanka |
| Seating Capacity | 35,000 |
SL vs NZ Head-to-Head Stats in Test Cricket
Both Sri Lanka and New Zealand have competed against each other in 39 test matches and the head-to-head stats are tabulated below:
| Total Matches Played | 39 |
| Matches won by New Zealand | 18 |
| Matches won by Sri Lanka | 10 |
| Draw Games | 11 |
| Tied Games | 0 |
| No-Result Games | 1 |
| New Zealand winnings at home | 13 |
| New Zealand winnings away | 5 |
| Sri Lanka winnings at home | 8 |
| Sri Lanka winnings away | 2 |
From the above stats, it is understood that New Zealand holds the upper hand against Sri Lanka in test cricket. At the same time, you need to note this point that the Lankans maintained their domination against the Blackcaps on homeground.
SL vs NZ Head-to-head in Last 5 Test Matches
Here is a short glimpse of the last 5 test match results between Sri Lanka and New Zealand you need to know:
- Sri Lanka (305 in 91.5 overs and 309 in 94.2 overs) defeated New Zealand (340 in 90.5 overs and 211 in 71.4 overs) by 63 runs. (From September 18-23, 2024).
- New Zealand (580-4 in 123 overs) won by an innings and 58 runs against Sri Lanka (164 in 66.5 overs and 358 in 142 overs). (From March 17-21, 2023).
- New Zealand (373 in 107.3 overs and 286-8 in 70 overs) won against Sri Lanka (355 in 92.4 overs and 302 in 105.3 overs) by 2 wickets. (From March 09-13, 2023).
- New Zealand (431-6 declared in 115 overs) defeated Sri Lanka (244 in 90.2 overs and 122 in 70.2 overs) by an innings and 65 runs. (From August 22-26, 2019).
- Sri Lanka (267 in 93.2 overs and 268-4 in 86.1 overs)won against New Zealand (249 in 83.2 overs and 285 in 106 overs) by 6 wickets. (From August 14-18, 2019).
Weather Conditions for SL vs NZ 2nd Test Match 2024
The weather forecast reports suggest that the temperature for the 5-day test match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand from September 26 to September 30 is expected to be 28 °C to 30 °C with slight chances of rain. Possibly, you could expect interruptions during the match.
Toss Result and Pitch Conditions for SL vs NZ 2nd Test Match
The pitch conditions at Galle would be favorable for fast bowlers on Day 1 and enable spinners’ domination on Day 3 and Day 4. As a result, the toss-winning skipper would opt to bat first and post a total of 400 runs in the 1st innings, since the teams batting second would have a tough time accumulating runs on the board.
Probable Playing XI for SL vs NZ
Possibly, both the teams might continue with the similar playing XI combination from the previous match mentioned below:
Sri Lanka Possible Playing XI Combination:
| S.No | Player | Role |
| 1. | Dimuth Karunaratne | Batsman |
| 2. | Pathum Nissanka | Batsman |
| 3. | Kusal Mendis | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| 4. | Dinesh Chandimal | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| 5. | Angelo Mathews | All-rounder |
| 6. | Dhananjaya de Silva (captain) | All-rounder |
| 7. | Kamindu Mendis | All-rounder |
| 8. | Ramesh Mendis | All-rounder |
| 9. | Prabath Jayasuriya | Bowler |
| 10. | Lahiru Kumara | Bowler |
| 11. | Asitha Fernando | Bowler |
New Zealand Possible Playing XI Combination:
| S.No | Player | Role |
| 1. | Tom Latham | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| 2. | Devon Conway | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| 3. | Kane Williamson | Batsman |
| 4. | Rachin Ravindra | All-rounder |
| 5. | Daryl Mitchell | All-rounder |
| 6. | Tom Blundell | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| 7. | Glenn Phillips | Batsman |
| 8. | Mitchell Santner | All-rounder |
| 9. | Tim Southee (captain) | Bowler |
| 10. | Ajaz Patel | Bowler |
| 11. | William ORourke | Bowler |
NOTE: These are the expected playing XI combinations of both teams which might change based on the captain’s decision to test the strength of the bench players during the match.
Where to Watch SL vs NZ 2nd Test Match? Live Streaming and Broadcasting Details
If you’re a cricket fan residing in Sri Lanka, New Zealand, or India, you can watch the live action of the match through the below-mentioned live-streaming platforms and broadcasting channels:
| Country | Live Streaming | Live Broadcasting |
| Sri Lanka | Jio TV App | Sony Sports TEN 5 |
| New Zealand | Sky Go App | Sky Sport 1 |
| India | FanCode App and its official website | Sony Sports Network |
Overall Thoughts:
New Zealand and Sri Lanka have equal chances of winning the next game. The teams with a strong set of pace and spin bowling combinations will certainly triumph in the upcoming matches. It is expected that the second test match of the series will be a thrilling contest with both teams targeting a mandatory victory to increase their chances of ranking at the first two positions in the WTC points table