Fri, 18 Mar 2011 - New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, World Cup 2011, 38th match Group A - Preview

With both New Zealand and Sri Lanka having already booked their berths for the quarterfinals, Friday‘s clash between these two teams is no more than of an academic value. However, with knock out stage about to begin, this will be the last opportunity for both the teams to try out a few things and work out the right combinations.

Sri Lanka and New Zealand had a contrasting build-up to the world cup still at this stage of the tournament both appeared equally competitive.

Sri Lanka were dubbed pre-tournament favorites while New Zealand entered the mega event with their reputation bruised following three consecutive series loss two of them were whitewash.

Both the teams have been equally ruthless in their treatment of minnows. While Sri Lanka’s victory margin against Kenya, Canada and Zimbabwe read impressive 210 runs, 9 wickets and 139 runs, New Zealand have been equally imperious in their ten-wicket decimation of Kenya and Zimbabwe and 97-run thumping of Canada.

Both the teams have lost a game each so far. While Sri Lanka went down to Pakistan in a close fight, New Zealand’s only blemish came against their Trans-Tasman rival Australia.

New Zealand, however, would go into the game with their spirit high following their thumping win over Pakistan a week ago.

New Zealand

The proverbial chips have eventually fallen to place for the kiwis. From being a no-hopper, they have got themselves back into the race for the coveted cup.

Barring a disastrous batting performance against the Aussies, the team has been very impressive with their batting in other games.

Ross Taylor has been in imperious form with his last two scores reading 131 off 124 balls and 74 of 44 balls. Brendon McCullum has also got back into the form with a hundred against Canada. Guptil, Styris and Oram have all been able to contribute with that bat that augurs well for the side.

The kiwi bowling attack has also found its rhythm back with young Southee leading the attack and veteran Mills being able to provide vital breakthrough at the top.

Mills and Vettori have been rested for the game and thus giving Taylor another opportunity to test his captaincy skills before he takes over once the big Dan calls it a day after the world cup.

However, the challenge for New Zealand would be to find ways to deal with rampaging Sri Lankan spinners.

Squad

Daniel Vettori (Captain), Ross Taylor (Vice Captain), Hamish Bennett, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Jamie How, Brendon McCullum (Wicket Keeper), Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Kane Williamson, Luke Woodcock.

Coach: John Wright

Sri Lanka

It is the first game of the tournament that co-hosts Sri Lanka will be playing outside their home soil and this might even things out as Sri Lanka are very tough to beat in their own den.

This, though, doesn’t make them a weaker team as current Lankan side is very professional and focused on the game with team management concentrated more on performance than flair.

Openers came back to form in a style putting up a record opening stand in world cup history and what was refreshing to see was the fluency with which way both Dilshan and Upul Tharanga batted.

Lankan middle order batmen barring skipper Kumar Sangakkara are yet to contribute to the scoreboard because either they haven’t got the chance to do so or have lost their wickets early when needed to put some runs for their team.

Bowling, as usual, will be led by ever green off spinner Muthaih Murlitharan and Lasith Malinga but what be interesting to see will be whether team management goes with three frontline spinners or only two.

Squad

Kumar Sangakara Capt & Wkt), Mahela Jayewardene, Tilkeratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapudegera, Chamara Silva, Thisara Perrera, Muthaih Murlitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekra, Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga

Coach: Trevor Bayliss