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New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in the 27th match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
New Zealand started the tournament with a bang after defeating Australia in their opening clash. Their second game against Afghanistan was washed out, but they are currently at the top of the points table in Group 1.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, registered a comfortable win against Ireland but then faced a defeat against hosts Australia. The Islanders are in the fifth position in the points table.
Pitch and Weather report:
The track at the SCG has been a batting paradise so far, and the skipper winning the toss will be looking to bat first. There is no rain forecast on Saturday; hence the fans can expect a full 40-overs contest.
Probable XIs:
New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara
Recent form:
New Zealand: WLWWW (completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka: LWWWL
What they said:
“If you’re going to last a long time in the game, you have to change with the times, and I think the game is ever-changing. Batters are discovering new shots, hitting different areas, and bowlers are trying to stay ahead as well. You learn in depth the different conditions, having played in various parts around the world. The experience that you have banked over the years helps. You have to change with the game because it does move at such a quick rate. And if you don’t move with it, you get left behind,” said Black Caps pacer Tim Southee ahead of the match.
“We have to go back and sit down and figure out why this has happened and what’s the best solution. We haven’t had time to find long-term solutions, but we are trying to field the best 11 possible by replacing the injured players right now,” said Naveed Nawaz, Sri Lanka’s assistant coach.
