New Zealand have it all to fight for as they face Sri Lanka in a must-win clash to reach the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 semifinals. The Kiwis are tied on 8 points each with Pakistan and Afghanistan ahead of their final group game, with just one semifinal spot remaining. Kane Williamson’s men do have the advantage that they have the best Net Run Rate (NRR) among all three teams fighting for the knockout berth.
After winning four World Cup games, the Black Caps have lost four games in a row, and they will desperately be hoping to avoid another defeat. The rain gods could also interfere in the match with rain predicted and that could spoil the Kiwis’ game plan.
Despite having more than 400 runs, New Zealand lost their previous game to Pakistan on DLS method and they will be eager to avoid a repeat of the same against an already eliminated Sri Lankan team who lost to Bangladesh in controversial circumstance.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Pitch Report:
The surface at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is a batting haven. New Zealand smashed 400 runs in their previous game at the same venue, and there is a chance that a similar high-scoring contest could unfold on Thursday if rain doesn’t interrupt proceedings.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Bengaluru Weather Report:
Similar to the previous game of the Kiwis, the weather is not looking too promising for the Black Caps who have it all to lose if rain ends up playing spoilsport. According to accuweather.com, there will be 86% cloud cover in Bengaluru throughout the day with 90% probability of precipitation and 54% probability of thunderstorms.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Full Squads:
New Zealand Full Squad: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson(c), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, Will Young
Sri Lanka Full Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Chamika Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Dunith Wellalage
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