New Zealand won the toss and decided to field in their ninth World Cup match against Sri Lanka. The Kiwis have no choice but to win today’s match to secure the semi-finals. On the other hand, the Lankans want to beat the Kiwis in today’s match to keep alive their hopes of playing in the Champions Trophy.
The match will start at 2:30 PM at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Australia has confirmed the semifinals as the third team in the World Cup. Maxwell’s monstrous double century against Afghanistan sealed their place in the semi-finals. Earlier, India and South Africa confirmed the semi-finals.
There is one team left in the race for the semi-finals. All the calculations are going on now which will be that team. New Zealand is now at number four in the points table. Kiwis will take the field against Sri Lanka to secure their place.
Afghanistan, Pakistan and New Zealand – All three teams have 8 points. However, New Zealand is number four ahead in run rate. On the other hand, Sri Lanka is desperate to win against New Zealand to stay in the Champions Trophy fight. Pakistan and Bangladesh will also have an extra eye on this very important match.
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)