World Cup 2023: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Game 41 – Dafanews Match Preview

New Zealand will lock horns against Sri Lanka in the 41st match of the ongoing World Cup 2023 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Thursday. It will be a must-win game for the Kiwis in order to qualify for the semis whereas Sri Lanka is already eliminated from the tournament.

The Blackcaps will want to come up with their best and the rain could also play spoilsport. We look at the current form, head-to-head, players to look out for, and squads of both teams in our match preview.

Current form for New Zealand: L L L L W

After winning their first four matches, New Zealand has veered off the track as they have lost their previous four games. The Kiwis haven’t come up with an impressive bowling show and it has led to their downfall. Their bowlers were taken apart by Fakhar Zaman in the previous match.

Current form for Sri Lanka: L L L W W

Sri Lankan batters got off to starts against Bangladesh but could not convert them into big scores. Charith Asalanka scored a fine knock of 108 runs but none of the other batters could contribute much. Moreover, the Lankans’ bowling line-up has failed to fire at all cylinders.

Head to Head: Matches: 101, Won by NZ: 51, Won by SL: 41, NR: 8, Tied: 1.

New Zealand holds the H2H advantage against Sri Lanka.

Players to look out for: Maheesh Theekshana, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Charith Asalanka will be the key players for Sri Lanka.

Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson will be the crucial players for New Zealand.

Sri Lanka Squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Angelo Mathews, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Chamika Karunaratne.

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.