SL Vs NZ 1st ODI: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Pitch Report

Dambulla Cricket Stadium [Source: @VoiceOfGulf/X.Com] Dambulla Cricket Stadium [Source: @VoiceOfGulf/X.Com]

The stage is set for a riveting ODI series as the home side, Sri Lanka gear up to take on the visitors, New Zealand in a mouth-watering prospect. The two sides have been playing against each other across formats, with Sri Lanka having the upper hand.

In the Tests, Sri Lanka whitewashed the Kiwis, however, the BlackCaps bounced back in the T20Is to level the series - 1:1. Now, the caravan shifts towards the ODIs as both the teams will look to get the better of each other. Talking about Sri Lanka, they have been a revelation under the guidance of Sanath Jayasuriya as the team continues to perform across formats.

However, they'll be without the services of Wanindu Hasaranga, who is suffering from an hamstring injury and will miss the entire ODI series. On the other hand, the Kiwis came into the tour on the back of a stellar Test win Vs India.

They fought hard in the T20I series and showed great character to win the second game from the jaws of defeat. Now, with the ODIs in focus, we take a look at the pitch of the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Stats And Records In ODIs

Criteron
Data
Matches played55
Matches won batting first23
Matches won batting second29
Average first innings score216
Average second innings score172
Average runs per over4.62

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Pitch Report: Batters Or Bowlers, Who Will Be More Successful?

Traditionally, the Rangiri Dambulla Cricket Stadium is known for assisting the spinners. To give advantage to the home side, the curator generally prepares a slow surface, with the average first innings score of just 216.

Sri Lanka have plethora of spinners, and they can take advantage of it. The average runs per over is 4.62, which suggests that batters tend to struggle and run-scoring becomes difficult.

In the initial few overs, seamers might get some assist, but as the game progresses, spinners will come into play at this venue.

Players To Watch Out For At Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

Dunith Wellalage

Glenn Phillips

  • Phillips can't do anything wrong at the moment. With the bat he is dangerous and he is also a wily customer with the ball. On such pitches, Phillips' off-break could be a useful asset for the Kiwi side.

Charith Asalanka

  • The Sri Lankan superstar is on a golden run with the bat at the moment. In the home series against West Indies, he was Sri Lanka's best player and his spin bowling could also be a secret weapon as the Lankan Lions aim for a series win.