DAMBULLA, Nov 10, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl 
first in overcast conditions on Sunday in the second and final Twenty20 match 
against New Zealand at Dambulla.

The toss was delayed because of rain but no overs have been slashed.

Sri Lanka lead the series 1-0.

Captain Charith Asalanka steered Sri Lanka to a hard-fought four-wicket 
victory over New Zealand with six balls to spare in the first match on 
Saturday.

"It's a new pitch and we saw last night the dew set in. So, we wanted to be 
cautious today," Asalanka said at the toss. "It's a bit of a risk to bowl 
second."

Fresh from a commanding Test series whitewash in India, the tourists arrived 
in the island nation missing Tom Blundell, Rachin Ravindra and other 
stalwarts who are resting for an upcoming red-ball battle against England.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner said he "would have bowled too".

"We need to get some runs on the board and then hope the bowlers will do the 
job," he said.

The Kiwis brought in seamer Lockie Ferguson in place of Jacob Duffy for their 
second outing.

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal 
Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh 
Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh 
Clarkson, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Mitchell Hay (wk), Glenn Phillips, 
Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Will Young.

Umpires: Prageeth Rambukwella (SRI) and Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SRI)

TV Umpire: Lyndon Hannibal (SRI)

Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)