New Zealand sits pretty at the top of Group 1 in the Super 12 round with 3 points in 2 matches, and they would be aiming to progress near to sealing a semi-final birth on Saturday when they take on the 5th placed Sri Lanka in Sydney.
Kane Williamson’s side started the Super 12 with as convincing a win as they would have hoped for – 89 runs – against hosts Australia. Their second game was washed out against Afghanistan, and they might have felt a point lost than gained.
Sri Lanka, who had qualified from the preliminary round, handed Ireland a 9-wicket defeat to kick-start their Super 12, but were blown away by Marcus Stoinis’ blistering batting in their second game. They need a win to continue dreaming of a semi-final berth, while a loss against the Kiwis will all but eliminate them from the semis race.
NZ vs SL pitch report, date, and time
NZ vs SL weather and pitch report
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
Thankfully, the weather in Sydney on Saturday is clear with no forecast of rain.
Talking about the pitch, all three matches played at the SCG in Super 12 so far have been won convincingly by teams batting first, including New Zealand’s thrashing over Australia. The SCG surfaces have had help for batsmen, pacers and seamers, but evidently, batting has gotten tougher in the second innings.
Date and Time: Saturday, October 29, 7pm Local Time (1.30pm IST)
Telecast: Star Sports Network
NZ vs SL predicted XI
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 he 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 match prediction: New Zealand to win the match
Having already played a game at the SCG, New Zealand are expected to defeat Sri Lanka, who are plagued with injuries, and whose two main spinners, Theekshana and Hasaranga, might be down on confidence after the beating they got from Stoinis.
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.
