Sri Lanka put New Zealand to bat in second T20

Dambulla, 10 Nov  - 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)