Bay Oval Mount Maunganui Pitch Report For New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Dec 30 2024, 6:13 AM

Bay Oval Mount Maunganui [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X]Bay Oval Mount Maunganui [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X]

On Monday, New Zealand will lock horns with Sri Lanka in the second T20 International of the ongoing three-match series. The much-awaited clash will be played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. 

Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand had a fabulous start to the series, defeating Sri Lanka by eight runs in a thrilling opener. Despite a top-order collapse, the Blackcaps posted a respectable total of 172 runs, thanks to sensational fifties from Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell. In response, the tourists were well on course for a commanding win before Jacob Duffy weaved his magic to trigger their collapse. 

So, moving on to the second T20I, Sri Lanka are in a must-win situation, as another loss will lead them to an embarrassing series defeat. As both teams gear up for a high-octane face-off, let's see how the surface at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui will behave throughout the match. 

Bay Oval Mount Maunganui Stats And Records In T20Is

Criterion
Data
Matches played18
Matches won batting 1st12
Matches won bowling 1st3
Average 1st innings score153
Average 2nd innings score135
Average run rate in men's T20Is8.68


Bay Oval Mount Maunganui Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The surface at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui generally offers a hint of seam movement to the fast bowlers early on with the new ball. However, the pitch flattens and favours the batters as the match progresses. 

In the last game, Sri Lankan seamers found some movement and triggered New Zealand's mini-collapse in the first innings. However, the Kiwis had themselves to blame for some of their casual dismissals, as Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell capitalised on the conditions later. 

As the ball gets older and the pitch becomes better for batting, the fast bowlers will likely focus on hitting the deck and varying their pace to keep the batters quiet. As it's the second game of the series at this venue, don't be surprised if the wicket gets slightly slower with time and brings the spinners into play. 

So, the spinners must keep things tight, as accuracy is the best way to succeed at this venue. Considering the teams setting the target have won all men's T20Is here, the toss-winner will likely bat first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Bay Oval Mount Maunganui

Pathum Nissanka

  • The experienced Sri Lankan opener oozed his class in the last game, hammering 90 runs off just 60 balls. Nissanka's red-hot form makes him a player to watch out for in this game. 

Jacob Duffy

  • New Zealand's young pacer Jacob Duffy was instrumental in the hosts' remarkable victory in the first T20I, registering a crucial three-wicket haul. He troubled the Lankans with his razor-sharp bowling and could be a threat to them in this match. 

Mitchell Santner

  • New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner is the second most successful T20I bowler in Mount Maunganui. Although the veteran all-rounder couldn't pick up a wicket in the last game, Santner's ability and experience makes him a player to watch out for.