Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, 2027, match 2 of 8
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI prediction
Who we back, how the pitch should play, projected scores phase by phase, and three bets from safe to long shot.
70%New Zealand
30%Sri Lanka
Quick overview
- Our pick: New Zealand to win, a 70% chance in our model.
- Conditions at Sky Stadium: A green tinge and early seam movement make the new ball dangerous.
- Batting depth: New Zealand should outscore their opponents by roughly 21 runs on our numbers, a solid buffer over a ODI.
- Safest bet: New Zealand (Match winner), about a 70% chance.
Series window, not a confirmed XI date. Confirm on the day.
Who will win the NZ vs SL 2nd ODI?
Our verdict on New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: New Zealand win, with a 70% chance against 30% for Sri Lanka. Sky Stadium should help the quicks, and we project a first-innings score of 291-335 for New Zealand and 267-317 for Sri Lanka. The 2nd ODI starts Wed, 20 Jan 2027 at 19:30 IST.
- Our pick
- New Zealand, 70%
- Format
- ODI, 50 overs
- Pitch helps
- Seamers
What will decide it
The three things we think will settle this match, and which side each one helps.
Conditions at Sky Stadium
A green tinge and early seam movement make the new ball dangerous. Openers who see off the first spells set the game up. This suits New Zealand, who know these conditions best.
Helps New Zealand
Batting depth
New Zealand should outscore their opponents by roughly 21 runs on our numbers, a solid buffer over a ODI.
Helps New Zealand
The toss
Expect the toss winner to bowl first and use the morning conditions.
Helps Toss winner
What will New Zealand and Sri Lanka score?
How we expect each innings to build, phase by phase, on a green / seam surface at Sky Stadium.
New Zealand Sri Lanka
- Powerplay (0-10)
- NZ45-55SL35-47
- Middle Overs (11-40)
- NZ165-183SL155-175
- Death Overs (41-50)
- NZ81-97SL77-95
First-innings scoreNZ 291-335/SL 267-317
Best bets for NZ vs SL
One match, three risk levels. The safer bet lands most often; the long shot pays most when it does.
Safer
Our chance 70%
Match winner
New Zealand
The most likely result on our numbers. Short odds mean a small return, so size the stake accordingly.
Value
Our chance 57%
New Zealand first-innings score
Over 299.5 runs
We project New Zealand around 313. A line near 299.5 leaves room for a slow start and still lands.
Long shot
Our chance 25%
Top batter
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
Balances the XI. A top-batter bet pays well when it lands, so keep the stake small.
Who can swing New Zealand vs Sri Lanka?
Our impact rating is how likely each player is to change the result. XIs are confirmed at the toss.
New Zealand
- Daryl MitchellBalances the XI83impact
- Tim SoutheeTrusted at the end of the innings86impact
Sri Lanka
- Dilshan MadushankaTrusted at the end of the innings94impact
- Angelo MathewsBalances the XI96impact
Match preview
This is match 2 of 8 in Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, 2027. New Zealand know these grounds well, which is built into our numbers. The 70% rating for New Zealand comes from team strength, scoring patterns at Sky Stadium and a green / seam surface. That is a clear lead, though a single big innings can still swing it. Confirm both XIs at the toss before you stake.
The toss: Expect the toss winner to bowl first and use the morning conditions.
Where the 2nd ODI fits in the series
Rest days, travel and what comes next in Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, 2027.
The 2nd ODI is match 2 of 8, played at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Wed, 20 Jan 2027.
It comes 4 days after the 1st ODI at McLean Park in Napier, so both squads travel to Wellington in between. The gap is long enough for full-strength XIs, so squad rotation should be limited.
Next, the 3rd ODI is 5 days after this one at University Oval in Dunedin.
Sky Stadium hosts 2 other matchs on our calendar: 3rd T20I: New Zealand vs India (29 Oct), 2nd ODI: New Zealand vs India (12 Nov).
- 16 Jan1st ODI: New Zealand vs Sri LankaMcLean Park
- 20 Jan2nd ODI: New Zealand vs Sri LankaSky StadiumThis match
- 25 Jan3rd ODI: New Zealand vs Sri LankaUniversity Oval
More cricket predictions
NZ vs SL 2nd ODI: questions fans ask
Quick answers to what readers ask us most.
Who is favourite to win New Zealand vs Sri Lanka?
Our numbers make New Zealand the favourites for the 2nd ODI: 70% against 30% for Sri Lanka, based on team strength, home advantage and conditions at Sky Stadium.
What time does the NZ vs SL 2nd ODI start in India?
First ball is due Wed, 20 Jan 2027 at 19:30 IST India time at Sky Stadium, Wellington. Check again on match day, as series dates sometimes change.
What is Malik Mumbai's best bet for NZ vs SL?
For a safer bet, back New Zealand (70%). For more value, try new zealand first-innings score over 299.5 runs (57%). Keep stakes to money you can afford to lose.
What is the pitch like in Wellington?
A green / seam pitch, by our reading, so expect it to help the quicks. That points to first-innings scores of about 313 for New Zealand and 292 for Sri Lanka.
Should the toss winner bat or bowl first in NZ vs SL?
Expect the toss winner to bowl first and use the morning conditions. The toss happens about 30 minutes before the 19:30 IST start, and both XIs are named then.
What happens if it rains during New Zealand vs Sri Lanka?
Lost overs mean a DLS target; if the minimum overs can't be played, the match is a no-result. Which bets stand or are void depends on each site's rules. Check the Wellington forecast before you bet.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka match kaun jitega?
Hamare model mein New Zealand aage hain: 70% chance, jabki Sri Lanka ka 30% hai. Match Wed, 20 Jan 2027 ko 19:30 IST par shuru hoga. Yeh sirf prediction hai, guarantee nahi.
Wellington ki pitch report kya hai?
Hum is pitch ko green / seam rate karte hain, isliye fast bowlers ko zyada madad milegi. Toss aur playing XI ka faisla match se lagbhag 30 minute pehle hota hai.
Where can I follow New Zealand vs Sri Lanka live?
Follow the score ball by ball on the Malik Mumbai live scores page. TV and streaming rights vary by country, so check local listings for the broadcast.
Still unsure? Ask our team
Predictions, projected scores and win percentages on this page come from Malik Mumbai's own model, built from team strength, venue history and conditions. They are estimates, not guarantees, and only a bookmaker's live odds settle a bet. 18+ only. Set a limit before you play and bet responsibly.