New Zealand take on Sri Lanka in the Group A second match at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Sunday. It is the fourth game of the International Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2013.
Overview:
New Zealand and Sri Lanka may be underdogs in the tournament as far as the hype around them is concerned but they are teams known for putting up a good show at big platforms. The match on Sunday is expected to be an exciting one.
New Zealand, who won the Champions Trophy in 2000, come into the contest at the back of a series win against England. They have a 10-3 win loss record in England since 2000 and have 13-12 lead over Sri Lanka on neutral ground. They have 5-4 win-loss record out of the nine ODIs played this year, including two wins at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
Sri Lanka on the other hand has played eight ODIs in 2013, winning three and losing three with two no-results. The 2002 Champions Trophy winners were once considered as weak overseas but have shown that they can win outside the country. They shared 2-2 with one no-result in an away series against Australia earlier this year before sharing another away series against Bangladesh in March. However, they conceded defeat to India and West Indies in the warm-up games.
Previous Meetings:
Sri Lanka have 37-35 win-loss record against New Zealand in their 78 meetings, where in one match was tied and five no-results. Sri Lanka have 2-1 advantage over New Zealand in their meetings in Champions Trophy.
Team News:
New Zealand: Martin Guptill is in good form, scoring back-to-back centuries in the series against England. They have McCullum, Ross Taylor, Luke Ronchi and a bunch of allrounders in the batting line-up. Daniel Vettori is doubtful for Sunday's match due to injury. Grant Elliott is unlikely to be fit for the match against Sri Lanka due to a tight calf, which would give way for Colin Munro.
On the bowling front, they have Kyle Mills, Tim Southee, Mitchell McClenaghan and Nathan McCullum. However, Trent Boult, one of the most impressive pace bowlers of the team, will miss the game due to a side injury.
Sri Lanka: They have experienced players like Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara in the side. They also have Dinesh Chandimal, Kushal Janith Perera and Lahiru Thirimanne in the batting line-up. The top order contributed well in the warm-up game against India, and they will be expected to put up a big total on the board.
In the bowling department, they have Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Sachithra Senanayake, Rangana Herath, Thisara Perera, Angelo Mathews and Jeevan Mendis. They are a strong bowling side and will be expected to take early wickets and restrict the score of the opponents.
Prediction:
Sri Lankan are a balanced team with a mix of experience and youngsters but they not so impressive record in England is something to worry. New Zealand, who win the series in England, are the favourites to win on Sunday.
Squads:
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (Captain), Trent Boult, Grant Elliot, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson
Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (Captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Shaminda Eranga, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jayawardene, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Jeevan Mendis, Kushal Janith Perera, Thisara Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Sachithra Senanayake, Lahiru Thirimanne, Chanaka Welegedara
Where to Watch Live
The match will kick off at 3:00 PM IST on Sunday and it will be telecast live on Star Cricket channel. It will also be live streamed online on Star Sports official website.
