With 3 points in 2 games (1 win, 1 washout), New Zealand are comfortably placed at the top of Group 1 in the Super 12 round despite playing 1 less match than other teams in their group bar Sri Lanka, who are positioned 5th in the table with 2 points in 2 games (1 W, 1 L).
Both teams will square off on Saturday in Sydney. Kane Williamson’s team will target moving closer to sealing a semi-final berth while Dasun Shanaka’s side will aim to keep their semi-final destiny in their own hands.
The match will be played 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, than 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 Score Most Number Of Runs?
Devon Conway
We are predicting Devon Conway to emerge as the highest scorer in the NZ vs SL match. The left-handed opener seems an obvious choice after his heroics with the bat against Australia – 92* off 58 balls – but wer are more confident because of Conway’s terrific game against spinners, which is the strength of Sri Lanka.
We are backing Conway to come out of trumps in his battle against Sri Lankan spinners- Theekshana, Hasaranga, and Dhananjaya.
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.