Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand Cricket 2013: Prediction, Live Stream and Preview

The second and final T20 between Sri Lanka and New Zealand gets underway in Pallekele on Nov. 21. 

Both sides will be hoping for an improvement in the weather conditions ahead of the clash. 

All three of the games in the ODI series between the two countries were impacted by rain, as was the opening T20, which was forced into abandonment without a ball being bowled. 

Both Sri Lanka and New Zealand were hoping to use these outings to blood some young talent ahead of the next year’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, but the elements have limited their opportunities to do so.  

The ODI series finished 1-1 after the Duckworth-Lewis method was brought into play in both games.  

Now, after the first T20 was called off, it will be a case of winner takes all in Thursday’s contest. 

What?	Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand, 2nd T20
Where?	Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
When?	Thursday, 21 November 2013, 1:30 p.m. GMT
Live Stream	CSN TV

Sri Lanka are currently the top-ranked T20 side in the world, and they are constantly looking for ways to stay ahead of the chasing pack with the World Cup on the horizon. 

According to Andrew Fidel Fernando at ESPN Cricinfo, Sri Lankan coach Graham Ford has developed specific training sessions for his team to help them play with “freedom” and to be more “inventive.” 

Fernando wrote:

"

Specialised training sessions intended to spur innovative batting have been introduced during Ford's tenure, and they have begun to pay dividends with several batsmen having widened their stroke repertoire. Ford said the benefits from these sessions would be most keenly felt in the shortest format, where Sri Lanka have been the top-ranked side since last September.

"

A win for Sri Lanka over New Zealand would see them maintain their place atop the world rankings, but they will be wary of the Kiwis.

The tourists have impressed in the little cricket they have actually played in Sri Lanka, and they will be looking to end things on a high note. 

New Zealand captain Kyle Mills said the objective ahead of next year’s World Cup is to assemble a squad that is capable of winning the tournament, according to ESPN's Fidel Fernando. 

Mills did, however, say that the top of the batting order must improve, especially if they are to continue to challenge top teams like Sri Lanka. 

The tourists have relied heavily on their lower order since arriving in Asia, and although they have impressed, Mills recognises the importance of a solid batting order throughout. 

Per Fidel Fernando, Mills said:

"

The late order guys have been in pretty good form the whole way through.

We bat pretty deep so we've got full confidence in our batting order. Hopefully the top order can score a few more runs.

 

"

Prediction

Would it be a bit cynical to predict that the weather will triumph once more? 

Well, if the weather does hold off, then Sri Lanka will be favourites to clinch the series. 

The Black Caps do boast a winning record against the hosts, however, winning five and losing just three of their T20 bouts.   

But Sri Lanka are ranked seven spots ahead of New Zealand, and they are the more talented side with the bat in hand. 

T20 can be a bit of a lottery at times, but Sri Lanka are No. 1 for a reason. 

They have won seven of their last 10 completed T20 internationals and expect them to make that number eight on Thursday evening.