Kane Williamson’s strong New Zealand outfit will take on the wobbly Sri Lankan side in a crucial Group 1 encounter of the Super 12 stage in the T20 World Cup 2022.
The Kiwis have 3 points in 2 games (1 win, 1 washout) while the Lankans have 2 points (1 W, 1 L). For New Zealand, a victory will bring them closer to the semi-final spot, whereas, for Dasun Shanaka’s side, a loss will make life difficult for their team as far as their semis dreams is concerned, while a win will propel them to the top of the table!
This encounter will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday evening.
NZ vs SL: Here are the predicted XIs of both teams
All-rounder Daryl Mitchell is fit after missing the Australia clash and is likely to replace Mark Chapman in the line-up.
New Zealand predicted XI:
Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Binura Fernando got injured while bowling against Australia, and Kasun Rajitha is expected to replace him in the line-up. If Pramod Madushan is fit, which doesn’t seem likely, then the seamer could replace Fernando.
Sri Lanka predicted XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara
NZ vs SL: Who Will Take Most Number Of Wickets?
Tim Southee
We are predicting Tim Southee to take the most number of wickets in the NZ vs SL encounter. Going through the stoic Lankan openers will perhaps be the most difficult challenge for Southee and co. but after that come a series of aggressive batters who could give New Zealand wickets in bundles.
Southee is likely to bowl two overs upfront and return to bowl two in the death, which gives him the best chance to pick up the maximum number of wickets.
With three wickets against Australia, Tim Southee became the joint-leading T20I wicket-taker of all time with 125 wickets, same as Shakib and is expected to finish ahead of the Bangladeshi by the end of the tournament given his superb form and the seam-friendly pitches in the tournament.
Southee has been exceptional in T20I cricket over the last three years, and his evolving with the format – adding more variations, including the now-revered three-quarter seam delivery, into his arsenal has proven a game-changer for the veteran.
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, knowledge, and instinct of the writer. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
