New Zealand ready for Sri Lankan challenge: ICC World Cup, 2011
Although the quarterfinalists of Group A in the ICC World Cup 2011 have been determined, there are still a couple of crucial matches to be played in the pool. One of those important matches will be played on Friday 18th http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754
and hosts Sri Lanka. The match will be played at http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 was washed out, but their run-rate is the best amongst all teams in the tournament. If they win their game on
Friday, they will jump to the number one spot in group A.
On the other hand, New Zealand have eight points and they are number two in Group A at the moment. They were only defeated by the mighty Australians, but a win in Friday’s match will put them at the top of their pool.
The Kiwis have played well in the tournament until now. In the year 2010, the team struggled to perform in subcontinent; Daniel Vettori and his men lost 11 out of 12 matches played against Sri Lanka, India and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747 in Asia.
However, John Wright was hired as the head coach of the team just before the start of the mega event and he helped the team regain confidence. The former New Zealand player has had a lot of experience in Subcontinent conditions, as he had been associated
with the Indian team as their coach.
The main concern for the Black Caps in Friday’s match will be the absence of key players Vettori and Kyle Mills who have sustained injuries and will be rested until they regain fitness.
Ross Taylor will be given charge in the absence of Vettori. The veteran middle-order batsman captained his team in their previous game against Canada and led his team to a 97 run victory.
Prior to the World Cup, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755, as he amassed a brilliant century. He did get a couple of chances, but made most of them and then scored
a quick fire half-century against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Canada-c748.
Apart from Taylor, players like Jesse Ryder, Brendottn McCullum and Martin Guptill will be the key to New Zealand’s chances in the tournament. All these players have the ability to take the game away from their opponents, if they do well with the bat.
In the bowling department, Tim Southee and Nathan McCullum will have added responsibility on their shoulders in the absence of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mills-c76321 and Vettori.
Sri Lanka were tipped as the favourites for the World Cup this year, but they will end up fourth in their group if they lose Friday’s game. Kumar Sangakkara and his men will be looking forward to lift the performance of their team.
Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga and Thilan Samaraweera are all dangerous players and they will post a serious challenge to the Kiwis. Sri Lanka’s bowling is also stronger compared to New Zealand’s; the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Muttiah-Muralitharan-c78157,
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ajantha-c42419 Mendis and Lasith Malinga are all match winners.
It promises to be a good game of cricket, but the Asian giants have a slight edge over their opponents.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely of the writer’s and do not reflect bettor.com’s official editorial policy.
Tags: