The 2019 World Cup is finally here and we have arrived at the 3rd day of the tournament, This will also be the first doubleheader of the showpiece event. It will be runners-up from the 2015 edition New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka in their first match of the tournament. While New Zealand will definitely start as the favourites but you cannot rule out Sri Lanka as they somehow manage to perform well in ICC tournaments especially in the 50 overs World Cup.
Sri Lanka has a relatively inexperienced skipper to lead them in the tournament. Dimuth Karunratne who last played an official ODI back in the 2015 World Cup has been handed over the captaincy duties. While Sri Lanka has some exceptional power hitters in their rank, Karunratne provides the solidity at the top of the order. The southpaw made a mark with an impressive 82 against South Africa during the warm-up clash.
Also Read : ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (Match 3): New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – Stats Preview
The middle order for the Lankans is a bit experienced but the likes of Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera will surely look to make an impact. While Kusal Mendis will look to control the game, Kusal Perera, on the other hand, has the ability to smash any bowling line-up on his day which was evident during the sensational match-winning knock against South Africa during a Test match earlier in the year.
The bowling department for the island nation will be led by Lasith Malinga. Isura Udana, Nuwan Pradeep and Suranga Lakmal are the three other pacers in the squad who can make the cut in the playing XI. They also have a couple of impressive spinners in the form of Jeevan Mendis. New Zealand, on the other hand, is a much better team and will look to make an easy work of the Lankans in their opening clash.
Tom Latham will be available for selection tomorrow which will be a great boost for New Zealand. The explosive opening duo of Martin Guptill and Colin Munro will definitely look to make a difference for the Kiwis. The middle order will be anchored by Kane Williamson who is also the leader of the team. The whole team will revolve around his batting.
Also read: ICC World Cup 2019, Match 3: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka- SL Predicted Playing XI
Meanwhile, Ross Taylor will provide the much-needed experience in the middle order and will also look to play his traditional big shots to perfection. The bowling department has two quality fast bowlers in the form of Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Meanwhile, the spin duo of Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner will also look to provide stability in the spin department.
Time and Location:
The 3rd World Cup match will be played at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff from 3 pm IST.
Weather Report:
In England, it’s really hard to predict the weather. Cardiff had experienced a brief spell of rain on Monday but the weather forecast has cleared just two days ahead of the match day. The temperature is expected to remain between 15 to 20 degrees. However, we might not see a full match as there are 10 per cent chances of rain.
Pitch Report:
The pitch is expected to suit the faster bowlers at the start of the innings but it is expected to even out as the match progresses. All in all, it is expected to be a pitch where a score of 270-280 might turn out to be a match-winning one.
Match Prediction
New Zealand will definitely start as the favourites without a doubt. However, Sri Lanka also has the ability to upstage any team on their day. But I will still go with New Zealand to win the clash.