The Sri Lanka team led by Kusal Mendis will play their final World Cup match against New Zealand which is scheduled to be held today at the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in Bangalore and will commence at 2 pm.
The current weather pattern in Bangalore could affect the game as both teams are determined to give it their all. New Zealand is striving for a victory that would pave their way to the semi-finals, while the Sri Lanka team has already set its sights on preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025 in Pakistan.
The task at hand is an uphill battle for both teams adds considerable pressure to today’s match.
New Zealand is in contention with Pakistan and Afghanistan for the fourth semi-final spot, as India, South Africa and Australia have already cemented their places in the semi-finals.
New Zealand skipper Tom Latham has stated that they have a solid plan to outperform Sri Lanka and understand the key areas where they need to challenge their opponents. New Zealand possesses a strong batting lineup, with their top-order batsmen in good form compared to Sri Lanka’s top order, giving them the advantage.
The young opener, Rachin Ravindra, has been exceptional, amassing 533 runs with two centuries and maintaining an average of 66.63. Rachin’s ability to bowl left-arm orthodox spin provides an added dimension to their team.
Daryl Mitchell with 375 runs and an average of 62.5, and Mitchell Santner, a key spinner have the potential to disrupt any team. The experienced pace duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee can create early breakthroughs.
Former Skipper Kane Williamson is a vital wicket and has consistently been a threat to Sri Lanka. In the last series against New Zealand, Sri Lanka faced a heavy defeat. Kiwis aim to create similar pressure in today’s match.
“Despite a string of letdowns, including the performance of Kausal Janith Perera and Dimuth Karunaratne, other batsmen like Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama and skipper Kusal Mendis are in good touch with the bat. The middle order is bolstered by experienced players Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva,” said Sri Lanka’s batting specialist coach and assistant coach, Naveed Nawaz
“The bowling department remains a concern for Sri Lanka due to injuries, with players like Matheesha Pathirana and Lahiru Kumara back home. The absence of key leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has also affected the team. The mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana has also not been among the wickets,” said the bowling coach, Dharshana Gamage.
However, young Dilshan Madushanka has been the standout with 21 wickets to his name and Australian leggie Adam Zampa is second with 20 wickets. His ability to swing the ball and maintain a good line and length pose challenges to opponents. Madushanka’s performances include a remarkable five-wicket haul against India and another four-wicket haul against the Netherlands, making him the key bowler for early breakthroughs.
Sri Lanka will consider a new bowler to replace Kasun Rajitha, who faced difficulties in the last two matches.
Dunith Wellalage, a spinner and fast bowling all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne, with Dushan Hementha as the next in line are competing for Rajitha’s place. The final eleven will be decided after the last training session, held yesterday.
“The team is focused on winning this game, recognizing its importance for Champions Trophy qualification. They are determined to play positively and put past matches behind them,” said a team official.
However, after the Sri Lanka-New Zealand match, the Sri Lankan team will return home on December 10.
Dhammika Ratnaweera reporting from India