ODI World Cup 2023, Match 41: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Preview

New Zealand (NZ) and Sri Lanka (SL) square off in match 41 of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 on Thursday, November 9 in Bengaluru.

The Kiwis had a fantastic start to their campaign with four consecutive wins. However, they lost steam as the tournament rolled on and suffered four losses in a row. They are still placed inside the top four but are being chased by Pakistan and Afghanistan. A win for New Zealand against Sri Lanka could just take them to the semis as they have a much better net run-rate (NRR) than the likes of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Kane Williamson returned from a thumb injury in the game against Pakistan and scored a fluent 95 off just 79 balls. Rachin Ravindra, who has been in scintillating form, scored his third century in the 10-team event. Mitchell Santner had a great first half of the tournament but his form has dipped in the recent games, much like the team's performance. Devon Conway not being able to convert his starts has also not helped New Zealand's cause. Daryl Mitchell has looked in good touch and his role at No. 4 is going to be very crucial.

Sri Lanka were officially out of the semi-final race after their heartbreaking three-wicket loss against Bangladesh in their last game. The former champions have two wins from eight games and are placed at No. 8. They would hope to at least hold onto that spot, if not finish higher, as a top-eight finish will guarantee a spot in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Sadeera Samarawickrama has been the most consistent batter for Sri Lanka with 372 runs from eight matches at 62. Pathum Nissanka has also done well, scoring 330 runs at 47.14. Charith Asalanka also scored However, Kusal Mendis has not been the same player since he took up the captaincy role in place of the injured Dasun Shanaka. The bowling has been led well by young Dilshan Madushanka. He is the leading wicket-taker so far in the ODI World Cup 2023 with 21 scalps from eight games at 22.24. This includes a five-for against India.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Most Runs

M Chinnaswamy Stadium Pitch Report:

The M Chinnaswamy has lived up to its potential of being a batting paradise. The Blackcaps scored 401/6 in their 50 overs against Pakistan in their last game. However, the 'Men in Green' emerged victorious by 21 runs (DLS method) thanks to a whirlwind hundred from Fakhar Zaman. Batting first could be the better option as a mammoth score won't be easy to chase down. However, if there is a chance of rain, the captain who wins the toss would be inclined to chase.

ODI World Cup 2023: NZ vs SL Probable Playing XI, Match 41

New Zealand (NZ):

The New Zealand camp has been hit with injuries to multiple players during the course of the tournament. One of their primary pacers, Mark Henry, was ruled out due to an injury and has been replaced by Kyle Jamieson. Jimmy Neeshan also suffered an injury and missed the last game against Pakistan. However, he is expected to be available for selection. However, the Kiwis are likely to stick to the same playing XI.

Predicted XI: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult 

Sri Lanka (SL)

Sri Lanka are another team that has had a fair share of injury woes. They might give an opportunity to the talented Dunith Wellalage with an eye on the future. He could come in place of Maheesh Theekshana, who has just picked up five wickets in seven games at 67.80.

Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C, WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana/Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka

NZ vs SL ODIs Head-to-Head Records:

NZ vs SL Broadcast Details:

Also Check: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Points Table