Spin all-rounder Dunith Wellalage was brought back into the side, with Dilshan Madushanka left out, as Sri Lanka opted to bowl first after winning the toss on a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon in Pallekele.
New Zealand made no changes to their side following their 45-run loss (DLS Method) in the series opener. They are playing just their fifth ODI at this venue and are yet to register a win against the hosts here, although they defeated Pakistan at this ground during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy