Sri Lanka, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, is aiming to win the second Test against New Zealand after a close contest in the first match at the Galle International Stadium. The second Test starts today (26) at the same venue. After a thrilling 63-run win in the first Test, Sri Lanka is looking to seal another home series.
With a 1-0 lead, Sri Lanka is in a strong position. New Zealand, led by Tim Southee, needs a win to avoid a whitewash and improve their World Test Championship standing. Dhananjaya de Silva and his team are confident after their spinners troubled the New Zealand batters in the first Test.
Sri Lanka has announced changes for the second Test, with off-spinner Nishan Pieris replacing Ramesh Mendis and pacer Milan Ratnayake coming in for Lahiru Kumara. Prabath Jayasuriya, who took nine wickets in the first Test, and was named Player of the Match, will again be Sri Lanka’s key weapon.
Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva stressed the need to fix first-innings batting errors. “We must avoid mistakes in the first innings and build a solid total to gain confidence,” he said.
Batting coach Thilina Kandamby said senior players like Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal need to take more responsibility. “The seniors have a big role. The pitch will help spinners, and we have a game plan in place,” he said.
Kandamby acknowledged the challenge posed by New Zealand pacer Williams O’Rourke, who bowled well in the first Test. “He surprised us on the Galle wicket, but our batsmen are ready. We’ve discussed how to improve, focus on good shot selection, and maintain a positive mindset,” he explained.
Kandamby praised Kamindu Mendis for his hard work and confidence, highlighting his progress as a key factor in his recent success.
Sri Lanka’s players had a rest day before training successfully yesterday, and batting coach Thilina Kandamby confirmed that everyone is in good shape to play.
Kandamby acknowledged the pressure on senior players but emphasised the importance of building a positive mindset. “We always remind senior players like Dimuth Karunaratne to stay positive, as we saw in his second innings. We also advise new batsmen to support their partners and focus on building partnerships,” said Kandamby.
New Zealand, led by Tim Southee, is looking to bounce back and level the series. “Sri Lanka’s spinners put a lot of pressure on us at Galle,” Southee said.
The toss will be crucial again, with the winning team likely to bat first, as Sri Lanka did in the first Test. New Zealand’s batting line-up is capable of outscoring Sri Lanka, but the home spinners make it tough for the visitors. Prabath Jayasuriya, along with debutant Nishan Pieris, will be key, while Asitha Fernando and Milan Ratnayake will share the new ball.
