HAMILTON, New Zealand, Jan 8, (V7N) – Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first in a rain-affected second ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The match has been reduced to 37 overs per side due to wet weather.

New Zealand leads the three-match series 1-0 after a dominant nine-wicket win in the opener in Wellington. A victory in Hamilton would seal the series for the hosts.

Both teams made one alteration to their playing XI:

New Zealand: Experienced wicketkeeper Tom Latham returns to the side, replacing Mitchell Hay, after missing the first match due to soreness.

Sri Lanka: Spinner Maheesh Theekshana replaces pacer Lahiru Kumara in a tactical change.

The reduced overs add an additional layer of unpredictability, with both teams adjusting strategies to the shorter format.

The final game of the series is scheduled for Saturday in Auckland.

Playing XIs

New Zealand:

Will Young,Rachin Ravindra,Mark Chapman,Daryl Mitchell,Tom Latham (wk),Glenn Phillips,Mitchell Santner (capt),Nathan Smith,Matt Henry,Jacob Duffy,Will O'Rourke.

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka,Avishka Fernando,Kusal Mendis,Kamindu Mendis,Charith Asalanka (capt),Janith Liyanage,Chamindu Wickramasinghe,Wanindu Hasaranga,Maheesh Theekshana,Eshan Malinga,Asitha Fernando

Match Officials

On-field umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG), Cory Black (NZL)

TV umpire: Richard Illingworth (ENG)

Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)

The rain-reduced format promises an exciting contest as New Zealand aims to wrap up the series, while Sri Lanka fights to keep it alive.