The BLACKCAPS who started this tournament off on absolute blazing form with four wins out of four, now find themselves fighting to salvage the final semi-final spot. The Sri Lankans on the other hand, came in with no real expectations but are now posed with a fighter’s chance to make the final cut, and more importantly to retain their Champions Trophy spot. It is New Zealand facing off against Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.
The toss took place with New Zealand winning the toss and electing to bowl first.
FOLLOW HERE: NZ vs SL Live Score, ICC World Cup 2023
NZ are coming into this on the back of 4 straight losses. Their confidence has been shaken. They fought valiantly against India and Australia. SA crushed them. Pakistan and rain edged them. Rain did choose Pakistan that day. NZ want a fair deal today or may be the inclement to be inclined in their favour. Kane Williamson and Co. will be back at the Chinnaswamy Stadium to play yet another World Cup match, hoping that it isn’t “one of those days” this time around.
Sri Lanka have a tumultuous tournament to say the least. Only a couple of days ago, they lost their first-ever World Cup match to Bangladesh. And as if that wasn’t enough food for thought in the days to follow, Angelo Mathews’s timed-out dismissal, his frustration and his time-stamped proofs on social media constituted some great political football across mediums.
So, even if you factor out New Zealand needing a win to stay in contention for the last remaining semifinal spot, or Sri Lanka needing a win to stay in contention for Champions Trophy qualification, a win will still be at a premium here today.
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Captain’s Comments:
Kane Williamson (NZ): We will have a bowl first. Little bit of weather around. Little bit of unknowns. By and large we have won a few and lost a few. Been there and there abouts. Some close ones which could have gone either ways. Here we are here today, would want to address the issue infront of us. Lockie comes in for Ish Sodhi. Adjust to what is in front of us. Make use of the ball first up.
Kusal Mendis (SL): I was looking to bowl. But unfortunately we are batting first. Very important game today. If we do the basics well, we should do well. NZ is a calm team. We played here against and played well. One change for us. Rajitha is not playing but Chamika is playing.
Playing XIs:
New Zealand
Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson(c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham(w), Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka
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