The second ODI in Hamilton between home team New Zealand and Sri Lanka had been hit by rain and we are starting to lose some overs now. The home team won the first ODI by a whooping margin of 9 wickets and is looking solid to win this series.
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It was a slight drizzle under which the players were did some practise on the ground but things have gotten worse now. Both the toss and play of the 2nd ODI has been delayed now.
For New Zealand, every ODI leading up to the Champions Trophy next month is pure gold. The Black Caps have played a meager three ODIs in all of 2023, leaving them with just four more scheduled matches before they head into the major tournament in Pakistan in February 2025.
One of those fixtures includes a brief tri-series against South Africa and Pakistan, set to take place in Pakistan—a final warm-up opportunity before the Championship Trophy kicks off. This will help in adjusting to the home conditions as well as get some match practice before the marquee event.
The first ODI in the ongoing bilateral series against Sri Lanka at home highlighted New Zealand's depth despite their limited exposure to the format this year. However, the match conditions couldn’t have been more Kiwi—played on a grassy wicket amidst cold temperatures. It’s a stark contrast to the conditions they’ll face in Pakistan and Dubai, where pitches demand adaptability and offer vastly different challenges.
With so little time to fine-tune their game in ODIs, every match carries immense value. Unfortunately, the persistent rain in their current series isn’t doing them any favors. For New Zealand, it’s a race against time to sharpen their skills and lock in their combinations before the Champions Trophy beckons.
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