Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota will host Sri Lanka A as they play New Zealand A in the second One-day match on 8th April at 10:00 AM IST.
Get the best SL-A vs NZ-A Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 2nd OD match of the New Zealand A Tour of Sri Lanka A 2026. Expert analysis and more.
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SL-A vs NZ-A Match Preview:
The tour of the New Zealand A side continues as they face Sri Lanka A in the second unofficial ODI at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota. This match is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM IST. Following a dominant opening performance in Galle, the hosts enter this fixture with a 1-0 lead, while the visitors look to find their rhythm and level the three-match series.
Meanwhile, historical data from the 1st One-Day played on April 5, 2026, underscores a clinical performance by the home side. Sri Lanka A secured a massive 140-run victory after posting 261/10 and subsequently bundling out New Zealand A for just 121 runs in 28.4 overs. Statistically, this result highlighted the effectiveness of the Sri Lankan spin attack, which accounted for seven of the nine wickets to fall (with Max Chu absent hurt). Therefore, while New Zealand A showed early promise with the ball, they enter the second game facing a significant tactical challenge in navigating the spin-friendly conditions of Hambantota.
Sri Lanka A enter the 2nd ODI with immense confidence following a balanced team effort in the series opener. The batting was headlined by Kamil Mishara, who struck a blistering 71 off 49 balls at a strike rate of 144.90, and captain Sahan Arachchige, who contributed a steady 66. Furthermore, Milan Rathnayake provided crucial lower-order resistance with a gritty 53. In the bowling department, Wanuja Sahan emerged as the star performer, claiming a magnificent five-wicket haul with figures of 5/13 in 6.4 overs. Additionally, Sonal Dinusha provided excellent support with 2/10. Consequently, the hosts seek to maintain this all-round pressure to secure the series with a game to spare.
However, New Zealand A arrive in Hambantota looking to rectify a top-order collapse that saw them lose their last seven wickets for just 61 runs. Despite the heavy defeat, the visitors can take heart from the explosive start provided by Dale Phillips, who struck 30 off 17 balls with six boundaries and a six. Moreover, the bowling unit showed flashes of brilliance as Adithya Ashok led the attack with figures of 2/38, while Kristian Clarke and Muhammad Abbas also chipped in with vital breakthroughs. Furthermore, the visitors intend to leverage the experience of Tim Robinson and the resilience of Muhammad Abbas to anchor the middle order. Furthermore, the team seeks to adjust their technical application against the turning ball to stay competitive across the full 50 overs.
Therefore, both squads will fight with high intensity to dictate the tempo of this crucial second encounter. Sri Lanka A aim to utilize their home-ground familiarity and the peak form of Sahan to clinch the series. Additionally, New Zealand A intend to leverage their individual talents and improved tactical awareness to stage a comeback and force a series decider.
SL-A vs NZ-A Head-to-Head Record:
|
Teams |
Matches Won |
|
Sri Lanka A |
1 |
|
New Zealand A |
0 |
SL-A vs NZ-A Weather & Pitch Report:
|
Temperature |
28°C |
|
Weather Forecast |
Precipitation |
|
Pitch Behaviour |
Batting-friendly |
|
Best Suited To |
Pace |
|
Average 1st innings score |
271 |
Record of chasing teams:
|
Records |
Good |
|
Winning % |
80% |
SL-A vs NZ-A Playing 11s (Predicted):
Sri Lanka A Playing 11:
1) Kamil Mishara (wk)
2) Lasith Croospulle
3) Nuwanidu Fernando
4) Pavan Rathnayake
5) Sahan Arachchige ©
6) Sonal Dinusha
7) Milan Rathnayake
8) Ravindu Fernando
9) Wanuja Sahan
10) Pramod Madushan
11) Dilshan Madushanka
New Zealand A Playing 11:
1) Rhys Mariu
2) Dale Phillips
3) Tim Robinson
4) Muhammad Abbas
5) Mitchell Hay (wk)
6) Simon Keene
7) Kristian Clarke
8) Tim Pringle
9) Adithya Ashok
10) Ben Lister
11) Max Chu ©
Hot Picks for SL-A vs NZ-A Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
|
Milan Rathnayake – Reliable right-handed batting all-rounder and seam bowler for Sri Lanka A scored 53 runs, anchoring lower order with a composed half-century off 84 balls. |
|
Kamil Mishara – Aggressive left-handed opening batsman for Sri Lanka A smashed 71 runs in opener, striking at 144.90 with 12 boundaries and a six. |
Top Picks:
|
Tim Robinson – Right-handed opening batsman for New Zealand A has scored 9 runs, aiming to settle against spin and build stronger innings in upcoming matches. |
|
Pavan Rathnayake – Promising right-handed middle-order batsman for Sri Lanka A contributed 16 runs in one match, featuring two fours and a six at 106.66 strike rate. |
Budget Picks:
|
Muhammad Abbas – Right-handed batting all-rounder and medium-pace bowler for New Zealand A has taken 1 wicket and scored 11 runs, delivering a key breakthrough. |
|
Pramod Madushan – Experienced right-arm fast bowler for Sri Lanka A leads new-ball attack, maintaining disciplined economy while applying consistent pressure during Powerplay overs. |
SL-A vs NZ-A New Zealand A Tour of Sri Lanka A 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
|
Captain |
Kamil Mishara & Milan Rathnayake |
|
Vice-Captain |
Pavan Rathnayake & Tim Robinson |
SL-A vs NZ-A Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keepers – Kamil Mishara ©, Mitchell Hay
- Batters – Avishka Wickramasinghe, Pavan Rathnayake (vc), Tim Robinson
- All-rounders – Sahan Arachchige, Milan Rathnayake
- Bowlers – Ben Sears, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Kristian Clarke
SL-A vs NZ-A Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keeper – Kamil Mishara
- Batters – Avishka Wickramasinghe, Pavan Rathnayake, Tim Robinson (vc)
- All-rounders – Sahan Arachchige, Milan Rathnayake ©, Muhammad Abbas
- Bowlers – Ben Sears, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Kristian Clarke
SL-A vs NZ-A Dream11 Prediction Today 2nd OD New Zealand A Tour of Sri Lanka A 2026 Players to Avoid:
|
Players |
Dream11 Credits |
Dream11 Points (Last match) |
|
S de Livera |
7.0 credits |
NA |
|
M Boyle |
7.5 credits |
NA |
SL-A vs NZ-A Dream11 Prediction Today 2nd OD New Zealand A Tour of Sri Lanka A 2026 Expert Advice:
|
SL Captaincy Choice |
Kamil Mishara |
|
GL Captaincy Choice |
Milan Rathnayake |
|
Punt Picks |
Pramod Madushan and Muhammad Abbas |
|
Dream11 Combination |
2-3-2-4 |
SL-A vs NZ-A Match Winner Prediction:
Considering the performance in the last game, Sri Lanka A is expected to win this match.
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