New Zealand vs Sri Lanka at SCG in Sydney: Oct 29, 2022 - Match Preview
Group 1, which was rightly called the Group of Death, is proving harder and harder to call with each passing day as upsets and rain have created havoc. New Zealand had their last game against Afghanistan washed out so they will be keen to get on the field against the Lanka Lions. Sri Lanka would welcome the SCG pitch and conditions as well after their last outing against Australia at Perth didn't go according to plan.
Finn Allen and Devon Conway started like a run away train against Australia and the middle and lower order ensured that the black caps posted a daunting 200 score in their opening game. All batters got a decent hit out in the middle.
They left out Michael Bracewell out of the side at MCG but might decide to bring him in as Sydney favors spin generally. Santner, Sodhi are already there doing the job for them in the spin department. Boult and Southee continue to move the ball and pick wickets as and when they deem fit while Lockie Ferguson provides extreme pace. It's a nicely balanced bowling attack that New Zealand have right now.
Sri Lankan batters struggled at Perth apart from Asalanka who looked at home while Nissanka hung around for a scratchy 40. But their batters would be looking forward to batting on a friendly SCG track where big runs have been on offer so far in the World Cup.
Binura Fernando injury means that Sri Lanka would be again requied to make changes to their playing XI, they have a few options which they can fall back on. Vandersay can come in to join Hasaranga and Theekshana or they may bring in Madhushan or Rajitha. Hasaranga had an off day at Perth but I expect him to bounce right back against the Kiwis.
Key Battles: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
Lahiru Kumara vs Finn Allen and Devon Conway
Trent Boult and Tim Southee vs Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka
Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana vs Glenn Philips and Kane Williamson
This is such a crucial match for both teams, it feels like a sure knock out match. The winner of this game should have enough breathing space to get to the semi finals. Weather at Sydney looks to be bright and clear too so it's all too play for.
Probable New Zealand XI
Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson, Glenn Philips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi
Probable Sri Lanka XI
Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapasksa, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Lahiru Madhushan/ Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara
Top 5 Fantasy Picks for New Zealand v Sri Lanka at SCG, Sydney
Wanindu Hasaranga
Maheesh Theekshana
Ish Sodhi
Devon Conway
Kusal Mendis
The match will start at 01.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)
Who will come out trumps in Sydney?
No comments:
Post a Comment