In the upcoming Match No. 41 of the Cricket World Cup between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, we have come to the final and crucial week of a wholesome and intriguing tournament where there are higher chances that the rain gods will give the match an instant result due to a game wash-out, which will decide both the team's factors, one aiming for the semi-final spot, while the other for the 2025 Champions Trophy spot.
While we come to today's teams in action, New Zealand's chances for the playoffs are mainly in their own hands. With a win vs Sri Lanka, they will virtually probably secure the fourth semi-final spot. The one caveat is that Pakistan will play two days later, knowing precisely how to beat New Zealand's net run rate (NRR). Afghanistan might also reach 10 points, but their NRR is so low that overtaking the teams above them is seemingly mathematically impossible. To summarise, a win for the Kiwis in their final encounter will bring them 10 points and one step closer to the semi-finals. However, they will require positive results in the remaining matches to ensure a safe passage to the last four rounds.
In the case of Sri Lanka, the '96 champions have already been eliminated from the competition, and they will be hoping to ruin the party and end their World Cup campaign on a high note. They were officially eliminated from the competition after losing to the Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh by three wickets. As it suggests, Sri Lanka will aim to rank in the top eight to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025, which could prove to be the team's final saving grace.
Predicted XI:
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Tim Southee
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
Players to check out from each team:
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand): Rachin Ravindra can potentially be the top batter in the match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Coming from a Bengaluru background, he leads the Kiwis in run-scoring with 523 runs at an average of 74.71 and a strike rate of 107.39. So far in the competition, he has three centuries and two half-centuries.
Dilshan Madhushanaka (Sri Lanka): Dilshan Madhushanka's campaign in the ongoing CWC has been remarkable. Madhushana has 21 wickets and is the World Cup's leading wicket scorer. Madhushanka entered this match, taking five wickets against India and three against Bangladesh.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head:
With both the teams facing each other 11 times in the Cricket World Cup platform, the Kiwis have won it five times, while Sri Lanka has won six times from their total outings.
Match Particulars:
Date: 9 November 2023
Time: 2:00 PM IST
Venue: Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Pitch Report & Toss:
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium track is one of the most batter-friendly in India. The pitch has a consistent speed and bounce. Because of the faster outfield and shorter boundary, hitters can score more runs. However, as the game develops, spinners will receive more help. Overall, the team winning the toss should prefer to go for a Bat first but also keep in mind the upcoming Bengaluru's overcast and damp conditions.
Dream XI:
