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The second T20I between New Zealand Women and Sri Lanka Women at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, promises to be a thrilling encounter. After suffering a shocking defeat in the series opener, New Zealand Women will look to bounce back and level the series. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Women, led by an explosive Chamari Athapaththu, will aim to seal the series with another commanding performance. The match is set to unfold on a pitch that traditionally supports both bat and ball, making it a fascinating contest.
Match Details
| Match | NZW vs SLW (2nd T20I) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Hagley Oval, Christchurch |
| Date | 16th March, 2025 |
| Time | 11:45 AM |
| Toss Prediction | To Bat |
Team Previews
New Zealand Women Preview
New Zealand Women were completely outclassed in the first T20I, losing by seven wickets. Their batting lineup failed to fire, with only Emma McLeod showing some resistance, scoring 44 off 46 balls. Captain Suzie Bates contributed 21 runs but couldn’t convert her start into a big score. The bowling department also struggled, though Jess Kerr stood out with figures of 2/18.
For this game, the Kiwis need their top-order batters like Georgia Plimmer, Brooke Halliday, and Maddy Green to step up alongside their captain. With the ball, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, and Bree Illing must complement Kerr’s efforts to restrict Sri Lanka’s powerful batting lineup.
Sri Lanka Women Preview
Sri Lanka Women delivered a clinical performance in the first T20I, showcasing dominance across all departments. Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with an unbeaten 64 off 48 balls, while Kavisha Dilhari provided crucial support lower down the order. The bowlers, spearheaded by Malki Madara (3/14), dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup effectively.
With momentum on their side, Sri Lanka will rely heavily on Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Vishmi Gunaratne to deliver the goods again. Their bowlers, including Sugandika Kumari and Achini Kulasuriya, will aim to maintain pressure on the hosts.
Favourite Team to Win Today
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka Women | Strong batting depth, disciplined bowling attack, and confidence from the previous win make them favourites. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Points Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Suzie Bates (C) | Batter | High |
| Chamari Athapaththu | Batter | Very High |
| Emma McLeod | Batter | Medium-High |
| Harshitha Samarawickrama | Batter | Medium |
| Maddy Green | All-Rounder | Medium |
| Jess Kerr | Bowler | High |
| Malki Madara | Bowler | Very High |
| Kavisha Dilhari | All-Rounder | Medium-High |
| Anushka Sanjeewani (WK) | Wicketkeeper | Medium |
| Eden Carson | Bowler | Medium |
| Rosemary Mair | Bowler | Medium |
Explanation: This fantasy team balances strong performers from both sides. Suzie Bates and Chamari Athapaththu are included as key players due to their leadership roles and consistent performances. Emma McLeod and Jess Kerr add stability for New Zealand, while Malki Madara and Kavisha Dilhari provide value for Sri Lanka.
Suggested Captains and Vice-Captains
- Captain: Chamari Athapaththu – Her form and ability to single-handedly change the course of the game make her the ideal choice.
- Vice-Captain: Suzie Bates – As the experienced leader of New Zealand, she can contribute significantly with both bat and ball.
Players to Avoid
- Georgia Plimmer – Failed to impress in the last game and may struggle against Sri Lanka’s spinners.
- Manudi Nanayakkara – Lacked impact in the first match and might not justify selection in your fantasy team.
Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand Women
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Suzie Bates (c) | Batter |
| Georgia Plimmer | Batter |
| Emma McLeod | Batter |
| Brooke Halliday | Batter |
| Izzy Sharp | Batter |
| Maddy Green | All-Rounder |
| Jess Kerr | Bowler |
| Polly Inglis (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Rosemary Mair | Bowler |
| Eden Carson | Bowler |
| Bree Illing | Bowler |
Sri Lanka Women
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Chamari Athapaththu (c) | Batter |
| Harshitha Samarawickrama | Batter |
| Vishmi Gunaratne | Batter |
| Nilakshi de Silva | Batter |
| Kavisha Dilhari | All-Rounder |
| Anushka Sanjeewani (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Malki Madara | Bowler |
| Manudi Nanayakkara | Bowler |
| Sugandika Kumari | Bowler |
| Inoshi Priyadharshani | Bowler |
| Achini Kulasuriya | Bowler |
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The pitch at Hagley Oval offers assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. Clear skies are expected during the match, with minimal wind interference. Teams batting first have won two out of three matches here, suggesting a slight advantage for the side winning the toss.
Winner Prediction
Based on recent form and team dynamics, Sri Lanka Women are likely to emerge victorious and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Final Answer: Sri Lanka Women
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