NZ vs SL, ICC Cricket World Cup Match 3, Key Players: Ross Taylor, Lasith Malinga, Trent Boult And Other Cricketers to Watch Out for at Sophia Gardens
Sri Lanka lost both their warmup games against Australia and South Africa without putting much of a fight. They will have to play out of their depths to get a win over New Zealand.
There was a time when the Sri Lankan cricket team had the best players in the world and like every great team in the past, their transition has been far from smooth. Some of the new talents that have come on board have taken time to adjust. While there is no dearth of talent, the experience of the big stage is missing. The Black Caps, on the other hand, have a well-balanced team and despite losing some of the great names of the 2015 squad, they have done well. The Kiwis are one of the dark horses for the championship and all eyes will be on them as they begin their campaign. Here we look at the five players that can swing the game in their team’s favour. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Cricket Score 3rd ODI Match.
Kane Williamson
Skipper Kane Williamson has been inconsistent in the fifty over the format for some time, but he is a class player that loves the big stage. He is a vital cog in the Kiwi wheel at the number three sport to provide them with stability. His leadership skills will be tested in the opening game which is always a high-pressure contest. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Betting Odds: Free Bet Odds, Predictions and Favourites During NZ vs SL in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match 3.
Ross Taylor
Ross Taylor has been with the Kiwi squad for ages and his role in the lower middle order is extremely crucial. His task will be to accelerate his team’s scoring rate and at the same time strike partnerships if things are not going to plan. The veteran batsman has 20 ODI centuries to his name, more than any Kiwi player. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match Preview: NZ Aim for Confident Start Against SL.
Trent Boult
The frontline New Zealand pacer could wreak havoc on the Island nation if overcast conditions exist in the game. Generally, the English pitches are well suited for Boult with his trademark swinging deliveries and Sri Lanka will need to do well to avoid giving him wickets. He is the leader of the feared Kiwi pace attack that has taken the second most number of wickets in ODI’s since the last World Cup.
Lasith Malinga
The Sri Lankan legend still packs a punch when it comes to picking up wickets and is the reason why Mumbai Indian lifted the 2019 Indian Premier League. Injuries prevented him from representing his country for some time but ever since he has made his comeback, he has looked good. Armed with those deadly yorkers and a good mix of slower deliveries, all eyes will be on Lasith Malinga from a Sri Lankan point of view.
Kusal Mendis
The wicket-keeper batsman loves to dominate the opposition bowling through his positive stroke play. If he gets stuck in the middle for a while, the Lankans can expect some major fireworks. An exciting young player, Mendis is touted as the long-term replacement of Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match 3 Video Preview
Sri Lanka lost both their warmup games against Australia and South Africa without putting much of a fight. They will have to play out of their depths to get a win over New Zealand.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 01, 2019 09:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).