Daijiworld Media Network

Pallekele, Oct 30: Welcome one and all to the one-off T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand from Pallekele. No, this is not a highlights package or an action replay of the tied match between these two nations during the World Cup. It is a new series with a new beginning for both teams. Sri Lanka will be led by Angelo Mathews in this T20 match while New Zealand will look to play well against spin.

The weather, though, is a bit of a worry in Pallekele. It was raining a couple of hours ago and conditions looked very gloomy. There are no fresh updates from the venue.

Update 6:45 PM: The rain is falling steadily at Pallekele. The entire ground is covered with the covers. Not good signs at all.

Update 6:30 PM: Not good news, I am afraid, from Pallekele. The covers are on the pitch and a thin drizzle is enveloping the venue.

Preview

If modern teams believe in the Phoenix, then this series offers a chance for both Sri Lanka and New Zealand to emerge out of the Ashes and have a new life. The current fortunes of both the teams reflects the kind of mind-set that is prevalent now among the fans.

For the Sri Lankan team and its fan, the pain continues. Four ICC tournament finals since 2007, the team has come up short every single time. A golden chance was squandered on the night of October 7th when Sri Lanka failed to chase down 136 in the T20 World Cup final against the West Indies. With each and every loss, the despair of the Sri Lankan team and their fans multiplied.

For the New Zealand team and its fans, the stagnation and disinterest is clearly visible. The Kiwis have failed to win a match against top-notch opposition since their famous win against Australia in Hobart in late 2011. Their recent troubles against spin and the lack of fight displayed have only increased the woes of the New Zealand team. Now, as they embark on their tour to Sri Lanka for the first time since 2009, one can only hope that there are some positive displays from the Kiwis.

It is interesting to note that both sides are playing a T20I at the same venue where they slugged it out in a tied game in the recently concluded World Cup. New Zealand seemed to hold the upper hand when they posted 173 but Sri Lanka dominated from the word go. However, a late stutter from the Lankans threw the match wide open and the end result was a tie. However, Sri Lanka held their nerve in the super over to defeat the Kiwis.

TEAM NEWS: SRI LANKA

Following the loss in the T20 World Cup final, Mahela Jayawardene stepped down from the captaincy of the Sri Lankan T20I side and handed over the reigns to Angelo Mathews. In the absence of Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis, it is a chance for new faces to shine in this series. Akila Dananjaya, who impressed in the couple of matches in the World Cup, will once again be the focus this time around. It will be interesting to see if the selectors try out Tharindu Kaushal, a player who bowled really well for Sri Lanka in the U-19 World Cup. With New Zealand's inability to tackle spin all out in the open, the Sri Lankans will be going all out to exploit this weakness.

TEAM NEWS: NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand might be deprived of talent, deprived of wins and they may lack big star power, but if it is one thing that the Kiwis do not lack is the Mongrel instinct to fight it out. In the recently concluded T20 World Cup, New Zealand were a tad unlucky to be sent crashing out of the tournament thanks to two super-overs. This team has the capability to give any team a run for its money, but their lack of consistency might continue to haunt them.

The team is again plagued with injuries. Daniel Vettori has been ruled out and uncapped leg-spinner Todd Astle will be part of the squad. It will be interesting to see whether he gets a game on this tour.

The Kiwis will be benefited from the fact that several of their players had some good exposure in the recently concluded T20 Cricket League. Kyle Mills was the star for Auckland thanks to his economical and accurate bowling. Nathan McCullum, who was the star in the final of the CLT20 when he picked up 3/24 for Sydney against Lions, will be a key player. In short, New Zealand consists of players who can contribute with both bat and ball. The only question is, can they gel together and put up a complete team effort?

With bigger series like Australia versus South Africa and India versus England lurking in the background, this series assumes a subdued importance. However, it will be an interesting battle between two intense teams, both of whom are seeking a new beginning.

Teams:

Sri Lanka (From): Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara(w), Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Angelo Mathews(c), Upul Tharanga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Sachithra Senanayake, Akila Dananjaya Perera, Shaminda Eranga, Dilshan Munaweera

New Zealand (From): Rob Nicol, Brendon McCullum(w), Ross Taylor(c), James Franklin, Jacob Oram, Nathan McCullum, Andrew Ellis, Tim Southee, Kyle Mills, Ronnie Hira, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tom Latham, Adam Milne, BJ Watling