The stage is set for yet another thrilling contest between the two big teams New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Let us look at NZ Vs SL Who will win?
The Kiwis defeated the hosts, Australia, in the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2022 by a massive margin of 89 runs. Kane and the team expected an easy match against Afghanistan, but weather forced the cancellation of the game.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, participated in the qualifications before moving on to the super 12, and they won two of the three games. Sri Lanka has already competed in the Super 12 against Ireland and Australia, giving the Australians a stiff fight.
What to expect from New Zealand?
The New Zealanders have a strong team, and even players like Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell are warming up the bench. But, after such a dominating performance against their neighbours, New Zealand aren’t expected to change anything provided no late fitness problems occur and an unchanged starting line-up should be on the cards.
What to expect from Sri Lanka?
Frustration will like be the buzzword from within the Sri Lankan camp after they allowed the brutal hitting of Marcus Stoinis to take their most recent game against Australia away from them when it was firmly in the balance at one stage.
Sri Lanka have responded well adversity in the past, normally bouncing back quickly from a poor result in a major tournament and will need to do so again here, although the quality of their opponents cannot go unmentioned.
Pitch Report
Sydney Cricket Ground is one of Australia’s top batting grounds. It is also the only Australian deck that offers a small bit of turn and help to spinners. As the game progresses, the surface often slows down. Which makes stroke play a little more challenging.
NZ Vs SL Probable Playing XIs
NZ XI
Batters: Kane Williamson ©, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman
Wicketkeeper: Devon Conway
All-rounders: Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner,
Bowlers: Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson
SL XI
Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis
All-rounders: Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka ©, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne
Bowlers: Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara
NZ Vs SL Who will win?
It would be a mistake to undervalue the Asia Cup champions. And Sri Lanka’s bowling assault in particular will put New Zealand to the test. The Black Caps, on the other hand, are a very impressive team that boasts depth in their bat strength. The fact that New Zealand scored 200 runs against Australia tells you everything you need to know about their form. And it is likely considering their batting would outperform Sri Lanka’s in the end, giving Kane Williamson’s side an advantage over Shanaka’s Sri Lanka.
