New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in match 41 of the Men’s World Cup ODI 2023 in Bengaluru on Thursday, 9th November. The Black Caps are on the verge of getting knocked out of the tournament following four successive defeats in the tournament. They were on a four-match unbeaten streak before failing to maintain their winning run in the next four games. Sri Lanka are officially out of the race for the top 4 following their defeat against Bangladesh. The Lions have had an unforgettable campaign in the ongoing edition of the Men’s World Cup with two wins and five defeats. In the points table, New Zealand are at the fourth spot with 8 points while Sri Lanka are third from the bottom with 4 points.
In the Men’s World Cup ODI, New Zealand and Sri Lanka have faced off against each other 11 times since 1979. Out of these 11 games, New Zealand won five while Sri Lanka came out victorious on six occasions. The last encounter between the two teams in the tournament was in 2019 when New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets. The upcoming match is expected to be exciting as the Black Caps will look to bounce back from four defeats on the trot and keep their hopes alive for the semifinal while Sri Lanka will hope to end their campaign on a good note.
Players To Watch Out For
1. R Ravindra (NZ): R Ravindra has been one of the revelations in the ongoing edition of the Men’s World Cup ODI. In the last match against Pakistan, the 23-year-old played a knock of 108 off 94 balls at a strike rate of 114.89 to help his team post a massive total of 401/6. However, New Zealand lost the match due to the DLS method. Ravindra is one of the talented youngsters who shone on the big stage. He is currently the third-leading run-scorer of the tournament, aggregating 523 runs, including three centuries and two fifties, at an average of 74.17 and a strike rate of 107.39 in 8 matches. R Ravindra is an attacking batsman who can score quick runs in the powerplay and anchor the innings when needed. He will look to put on a good show again and pose a threat to Sri Lanka’s bowling line-up.
2. S Samarawickrama (SL): S Samarawickrama is one of the batting mainstays for Sri Lanka in the Men’s World Cup 2023. In the last match against Bangladesh, he scored 41 off 42 balls to help the team to post a respectable total of 279. In this tournament, Samarawickrama has scored 372 runs, including a century and two fifties, at an average of 62 and a strike rate of 102.47 in 8 matches. S Samarawickrama is one of the reliable batsmen for Sri Lanka who can stabilize the middle order by anchoring the innings. He can shift his gears when needed and turn the game on its head. S Samarawickrama is likely to pose a challenge to New Zealand’s batting line-up.
3. K Williamson (NZ): The return of K Williamson has provided a massive boost to New Zealand’s batting line-up. In the last match against Pakistan, the New Zealand captain unleashed his firepower and scored 95 off 79 at a strike rate of 120.25 to help his team post a massive total of 401/6 on the board. Williamson was out of action for a few matches due to a thumb injury. In this tournament, the 32-year-old has aggregated 173 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 173 in two matches. K Williamson can stabilize the top order and take charge of the innings with his clutch performance. He will look to come up with goods again in the upcoming match against Sri Lanka.
4. D Madushanka (SL): D Madushanka is currently the pace bowling attack of Sri Lanka in the ongoing edition of the Men’s World Cup. In the last match against Bangladesh, the 23-year-old scalped three wickets while conceding 69 runs at an economy rate of 6.9 in his quota of 10 overs. Madushanka is currently the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, with 21 wickets, including a fifer and a four-wicket haul, at an economy rate of 6.48 in 8 matches. D Madushanka has provided breakthroughs in the powerplay and also took crucial wickets in the middle overs for Sri Lanka. Also, he has the ability to deliver the ball at good line and length. Madushanka will look to come up with an impactful performance against New Zealand.
5. M Santner (NZ): M Santner is the best bowler for New Zealand in the Men’s World Cup ODI 2023. In the last match against Pakistan, he conceded 35 without taking a wicket in 5 overs. In this tournament, the 31-year-old has scalped 14 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, at an economy rate of 5.17 in 8 matches. Santner is the most economical bowler in the ongoing Men’s World Cup ODI. He is a reliable bowler in the middle overs who can take crucial wickets for New Zealand. Santner has the ability to bowl in different variations, making it challenging for batsmen to judge the ball. He is expected to pose a threat to Sri Lanka’s batting line-up with his spin bowling.
Predicted Playing XI
NZ: D Conway, R Ravindra, K Williamson (C), D Mitchell, M Chapman, T Latham (WK), G Phillips, M Santner, T Southee, T Boult, I Sodhi
SL: P Nissanka, K Perera, K Mendis (C & WK), S Samarawickrama, C Asalanka, A Mathews, D de Silva, M Theekshana, D Chameera, K Rajitha, D Madushanka,
Fantasy Playing XI Picks
Wicketkeeper: K Mendis
Batsmen: S Samarawickrama, K Williamson, C Asalanka, D Mitchell
All-rounder: R Ravindra,
Bowlers: M Santner, D Madushanka, T Boult, T Southee, M Theekshana
Prediction
New Zealand is expected to make a comeback and win this fixture against Sri Lanka. They have a quality batting line-up compared to the opposition and the Bengaluru pitch is likely to suit them. The return of K Williamson has further strengthened their batting line-up. Moreover, the Kiwis have hard hitters who can pose a serious threat to Sri Lanka’s line-up. With a semi-final spot at stake, New Zealand will have to be their absolute best against Sri Lanka.
