SL vs NZ 2nd T20I: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Pitch Report

Debashis Sarangi

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X]Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X]

Tonight, Sri Lanka will cross swords against New Zealand in the second T20 International of the ongoing two-match series. The high-octane clash will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. 

Led by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka had a magnificent start to the series, swatting aside the visitors by four wickets in the opening game. Bowling first, the Lankan Lions restricted New Zealand to a paltry 135-run total before chasing the target comfortably with an over to spare. 

The lethal spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage shared five wickets, while Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana rattled the visitors with their clinical speels, scalping two breakthroughs each. 

Therefore, moving on to this match, Sri Lanka would be keen to sustain their dream run and clinch the trophy, while the Blackcaps would like better returns from their experienced pros to level the series. As both teams gear up for a fascinating contest, let's see how the surface at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium will behave throughout the contest. 

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Stats And Records In T20Is

Criterion
Data
Matches Played7
Matches won batting 1st
4
Matches won batting 2nd3
Average 1st innings score in last 5 matches169
Average 2nd innings score in last 5 matches156
Average runs per over8.39


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

The surface at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium won't likely offer substantial seam movement to the fast bowlers across both innings. The pitch is expected to be on the drier side and help the spin bowlers throughout the match. In fact, the spinners bagged nine out of sixteen wickets in the first T20I at this venue. 

Considering the track heavily favours spin bowling, the batters must play sensibly and take some time before shifting gears. Teams batting first have been more successful at this venue. So, unless it's a fresh pitch, expect the toss-winning team to bat first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

Dunith Wellalage

  • The left-arm spinner bamboozled New Zealand batters with his wily variations in the first T20I. So, Wellalage will certainly be a player to watch out for in this game. 

Glenn Phillips

  • The experienced cricketer had a poor outing in the series opener, but can regain his mojo by showcasing his incredible all-round prowess on Dambulla's spin-friendly deck. 

Wanindu Hasaranga

  • Whenever Sri Lanka play a T20I at home, the eyes remain on Wanindu Hasaranga, who leads their spin bowling department. The wrist spinner was impressive in the first T20I and could once again play a crucial role for his side in this match.