Resurgent Kiwis get ready to face hosts

After drubbing India by a whopping 200 runs in the first ODI, a strong Taylor-led New Zealand team aim for their second successive win as they get ready to face hosts Sri Lanka on Friday, 13th August, 2010 at Dambulla.

The top order of the Kiwis has been facing quite a lot of problems throughout this year and in the absence of Ryder and Brendon McCullum, the tremors were felt even more so as they were three down for 28 against India. Styris and Taylor, the two most experienced men in the side, took their team to safety but it was the bowlers who came to the party as Tuffey, Mills and McKay enjoyed the pace and bounce on the wicket and the Indian batsmen had no clue. Add to the fact that the Kiwis were bowling under lights and the pacers had good swing as well.

The Lankans recently finished a strong campaign of the Asia Cup just a couple of months ago, where they ended up being second best to India and would have a very good knowledge of the conditions having chased and faltered in the final against India. The hosts have recalled hard-hitting middle-order batsmen Chamara Silva to propel their batting which otherwise looks strong with the top four batsmen in good nick. However, Dilshan had a very quiet Test series by his standards and he would be looking to get going in the shorter version. The Lankans do not have bowlers who can hit the deck hard apart from Malinga and Fernando, but Mathews and Kulasekara can move the ball around in any conditions.

The last few matches at this venue have been a no-brainer so far - Win the toss and bat - Mainly due to the flood lights which makes it tricky for the batsmen to see in the evening and chasing becomes difficult. The Kiwis would be pumped up after their terrific start to the series but Sri Lanka are a tough side to beat at home, even if they are chasing and Ross Taylor will need to get his batsmen to the focus.