Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Matthews is expecting a bowler-friendly wicket when his side takes on the Blackcaps in the Boxing Day test from Hagley Park on Wednesday.
The first test match between the teams ended in a draw thanks to a monumental effort with the bat from Matthews and Kusal Mendis.
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The two batted for a day and put together an unbeaten partnership of 246 - the record for any wicket against the blackcaps.
"We were looking to score off the bad balls, but we didn't get many of them," Matthews said.
"That's because they're a world class bowling unit."
"The concentration was brilliant, Kusal Mendis had a blinder of an innings; he showed a lot of maturity for a 24-year-old - its pleasing signs for us."
Matthews was happy with how his team finished the test but said they need to start the next test better.
"After it ended in a draw the boys are quite confident going into the second game," he said.
"We didn't get a good first innings score, so that's why we were behind from the start."
The 31-year-old said both teams can expect their bowlers to be in the game more come Boxing Day.
"We are expecting a lot more grass on the wicket and are expecting more pace and bounce.
"We need to bat really well and if the bowlers are bowling first I'm sure there will be plenty on offer - we have the bowling attack to do it.
"We can win this game, we aren't looking to draw games, and if we play to our potential I'm sure we can beat them."
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