SL prepare for T20 showdown with NZ

Asalanka's men have won 11 of their 14 bilateral series this year

DAMBULLA:

Sri Lanka hope to maintain their purple patch at home with a two-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand starting Saturday -- but rains may force the hosts to keep their formidable spin attack on standby.

Charith Asalanka's men are riding high with victories in 11 of their 14 bilateral series this year -- including nine out of the last 10 on home soil.

This year's home success has hinged on Sri Lanka's spinners, but Asalanka said forecast rains in Dambulla could force a strategic rethink.

"The rain will likely come into play," Asalanka told reporters on Friday.

"Our strength has always been spin, but if this weather sticks around, we might have to bring in an extra seamer instead."

Relentless downpours washed out Sri Lanka's training session on Friday and New Zealand's evening practice also looked in doubt, with the ground completely under covers.

Dambulla will host two T20 matches on Saturday and Sunday before a three-match ODI series beginning in the same city next Wednesday.

New Zealand were routed 2-0 in the Test leg of their Sri Lankan tour last month.

Several key players from the historic series against India including Tom Blundell, Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee have returned home to rest ahead of their upcoming three-match Test series against England.

Mitchell Santner will captain a refreshed New Zealand side in their absence.

"With the packed schedule, some of the boys felt it was best to head home and prepare for the England series," Santner said.

"We have plenty of white-ball cricket ahead, and it's a chance to give some fresh faces a go."