The Lankans lost the toss against New Zealand and lost 5 wickets for 70 runs in the match to keep alive the hope of playing in the Champions Trophy.
The Lankans lost their first wicket for just three runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Pathum Nisanka went to the Finn with 2 runs off 8 balls after being a victim of Tim Southee. Kushal Mendis and Sadira Samaravikrama also went back on Pathum Nisanka’s path. These two batsmen could not reach double figures today. Kushal Mendis went back to 6 runs and Sadira Samarawickrama went back to 1 run.
After losing three wickets for 32 runs, Kushal Perera and Charith Asalanka formed a partnership. The Lankans tried to turn around by relying on this pair. In between, Kushal Perera picked up a half century. He picked up his half century in just 22 balls.
But this pair was broken by Charith Asalanka’s departure for the team’s 70 runs. Charith Asalanka, who scored 8 runs off 8 balls, went back to the dugout after being lbw by Trent Boult.
Kushal Pererao returned along the path of Charith Asalanka. He went back to being a victim of Lockie Ferguson scoring 51 off 28 balls. On his departure, the Lankans lost 5 wickets for 70 runs.
Pakistan and Bangladesh will also have an extra eye on this very important match today.
If the Lankans can beat the Kiwis today, Pakistan will have the biggest advantage. In that case, Babar-Rizwan will go to the semi-finals even if they win against England on the 11th. Because it is very impossible to go to the semi-finals of Afghanistan by topping Pakistan.
Bangladesh will be in trouble where Pakistan will benefit if Sri Lanka wins. England have already overtaken Bangladesh by winning their last match in the World Cup. If Shakib doesn’t win against Australia in their last match and if Sri Lanka wins today’s match then Bangladesh will have a big problem with being in the top eight in the points table. Bangladesh will be looking at New Zealand’s victory today to secure a place in the Champions Trophy.
And if the Sri Lanka-New Zealand match is abandoned due to rain, then either Pakistan or Bangladesh can reach their desired goal if they win their last match.
Both teams have one change today. Lockie Ferguson has returned to the New Zealand XI after returning from injury. Chamika has returned to the Sri Lankan team instead of Rajitha.
New Zealand XI: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (captain), Darryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson.
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nisanka, Kushal Perera, Kushal Mendis (wicketkeeper/captain), Sadira Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Mahesh Thekshana, Dushmantha Chamira, Dilshan Madushanka.
(09 November/NBW)