Sri Lanka v New Zealand: gaining some winning momentum - ICC World Cup 2011
Sri Lanka is all set to face New Zealand today in their exciting match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This will be their last group match before the ICC World Cup 2011 quarter-finals begin. Both teams will be looking for a dominating performance and
gain some winning momentum
Both teams have qualified for the knock-out phase of the World Cup and will be able to try out some reserve players and different strategies. The Sri Lankans are one of the most competitive teams in the tournament, as the Kiwis are considered to be the underdogs.
The 1996 World Champions, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, have played all previous matches at their home ground and this is the first match that they will play away from home. The competitive edge that they may have had, regarding the pitch conditions, will not be much of a
factor in this game.
Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara said, “Every side likes to build momentum, and take the momentum into the really important stage. At the same time, the sides that might not win in the final first-round game won't be too much worried about it. The quarters,
semis and the finals are the one that really count.”
Considering the past record at crickets’ mega event, both teams have faced each other seven times and Sri Lanka has emerged victorious on four occasions. The statistics do favour them, but it is all about performing on the day.
A number of players from New Zealand’s squad are suffering from injuries and they will be given some rest during this match. The reserve players may eventually get a chance to play and put in a good performance for the team.
The pitch in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820 is a batting paradise, as a run fiesta is expected considering the batting that both sides posses. A hot day is expected, which will make things difficult for the fast bowlers. It looks like the spinners will have a major role to play
for both teams in today’s match.
Team form
The New Zealanders have found their lost touch in this World Cup, as they have defeated their opposition by a good margin. In the last five matches, they have won four and their only defeat came at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746.
The Sri Lankan team is also in good form, as they have lost just one match to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 in the last five matches they have played. Their match against the Australians was unfortunately abandoned due to rain.
Key Players
The opening pair of Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga has hammered every oppositions bowling attack so far and will look to continue the good work against the Black Caps. Kumar Sangakkara is just 49-runs away from a milestone of 9000 One Day International
runs, as he is the mainstay in Sri Lanka’s batting order.
Brendon McCullum is an explosive opening batsman and once he gets going, scores exceeding 350 are achievable. Ross http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Taylor-c92915 played a commendable knock against Pakistan and he will be hoping to do something similar against Sri Lanka as well.
Sri Lanka (probable XI)
1. Tillakaratne Dilshan, 2. Upul Tharanga, 3. Kumar Sangakkara (captain/wk), 4. Mahela Jayawardene, 5. Thilan Samaraweera, 6. Chamara Silva / Chamara Kapugedera, 7. Angelo Mathews, 8. Thisara Perera, 9. Nuwan Kulasekara / Dilhara Fernando, 10. Lasith Malinga,
11. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Muttiah-Muralitharan-c78157
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 (probable XI)
1. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Martin-c74834 Guptill, 2. Brendon McCullum (wk), 3. Jesse Ryder, 4. Ross Taylor (captain), 5. Kane Williamson, 6. Scott Styris, 7. James Franklin, 8. Nathan McCullum, 8. Jacob Oram, 10. Hamish Bennett, 11. Tim Southee
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