Big image: All to play for
And so it comes all the way down to this. After a month of continuous cricket – 40 matches main as much as this one, to be exact – there’s an excellent likelihood that will probably be the climate in Bengaluru which could find yourself deciding which crew takes up not simply the last semi-final berth on this World Cup, but additionally the ultimate Champions Trophy 2025 qualification spot. But earlier than we get forward of ourselves, allow us to first take a fast look again at how we obtained right here.
If you are New Zealand, you can be forgiven for scratching your head just a little at your current predicament. After 4 wins out of your first 4 video games, after which two scores of 383 and 401 in two of your subsequent 4, you absolutely should have nailed down that top-four spot, proper? Surely?!
But New Zealand’s destiny is basically in their very own palms. A win in opposition to Sri Lanka, and so they transfer to 10 factors to nearly actually lock that fourth semi-final slot. The solely caveat – Pakistan shall be taking part in two days later, realizing exactly what they should do in opposition to England to trump New Zealand’s internet run price (NRR). Afghanistan too may get to 10 factors, however their NRR is so dire that it is all however mathematically inconceivable to leapfrog the perimeters above them.
The margin of that loss additionally left them in eighth place – the cut-off level for qualification to the following Champions Trophy – with solely NRR maintaining them above Netherlands on ninth. Bangladesh are tied with them on factors – 4 every – however are seventh on account of a superior NRR. The solely situation that might see Sri Lanka eradicated is that if two different groups attain six factors, and so they themselves fail to take action. There are a number of methods by which this might occur, however we cannot get into that right here.
Which brings us to the rain, one thing that might be significantly extra disastrous for New Zealand than their opponents. Presently occupying fourth spot, and sitting comfortably when it comes to NRR, one level for New Zealand from a called-off recreation would imply that every one Pakistan or Afghanistan must do to surpass them is just win.
As for the precise head-to-head between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, it has been all one-way site visitors in current instances. Sri Lanka’s last ODI victory in opposition to New Zealand got here again in 2015.
Recent type
New Zealand LLLLW (Last 5 accomplished ODIs; most up-to-date first)
Sri Lanka LLLWW
In the highlight: Rachin Ravindra and Kusal Mendis
Team information: Ferguson and Jamieson each to play?
For New Zealand, Matt Henry has been dominated out of the World Cup. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s weak spot in opposition to short-pitched bowling may see the inclusion of 1 or each of Kyle Jamieson and Lockie Ferguson.
New Zealand (possible): 1 Devon Conway, 2 Rachin Ravindra, 3 Kane Williamson (capt.), 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Mark Chapman, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Ish Sodhi/Kyle Jamieson, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Tim Southee/Lockie Ferguson
Sri Lanka have no recent damage issues and are more likely to follow the identical aspect which misplaced to Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Perera, 3 Kusal Mendis (capt, wk) 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Angelo Mathews, 7 Dhananjaya de Silva, 8 Maheesh Theekshana, 9 Kasun Rajitha, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Dilshan Madushanka
Pitch and circumstances: Runs or rain?
New Zealand as complete may not have fond reminiscences of the Chinnaswamy stadium, however their batters may, having plundered 401 in opposition to Pakistan. Sri Lanka too will bear in mind fondly their win in opposition to England right here. Now if solely the rain will preserve away.
Stats and trivia: A one-sided contest
- Rachin Ravindra is at the moment tied with Sachin Tendulkar for many runs at a World Cup earlier than turning 25. He can go free and away from an all-time nice tomorrow.
- Dilshan Madushanka is seven wickets away from turning into the all-time highest wicket-taker in a single version of a World Cup.
- Sri Lanka have received simply three of their last 20 ODIs in opposition to New Zealand; they’ve misplaced seven of their last eight, with one recreation deserted.
- Two of the three video games on the Chinnaswamy Stadium on this World Cup have seen the aspect batting first rating above 350, with solely England – in opposition to Sri Lanka – failing to take action.
Quotes
“We knew the talent was there, but to come out be one of the players of the tournament so far – not only with the bat, but he’s also making really valuable contributions with the ball. Yeah, very, very special player, and great that he’s on our side.”
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson sings praises for younger Rachin Ravindra