World Cup 2023, Match 41 | Sri Lanka Predicted XI vs New Zealand

image-lopupd1uSri Lanka will play New Zealand in the 41st match of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

The 2023 World Cup has taken an intriguing turn, with numerous teams vying for positions. Match 41 of the coveted tournament will see Sri Lanka and New Zealand lock horns against one another in the mesmerizing M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. This will be the final game of the league stages for both teams and set to begin at 2:00 PM IST.

The Kiwis will go all guns blazing in their pursuit of triumph. They've played eight games, winning four and losing four. They won the first four games but are now on a four-match losing run. They've had some bad luck, particularly against Australia and Pakistan. A win will not secure their place in the semi-finals. They will need to win by a large margin so that Pakistan and Afghanistan are unable to oust them.

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Sri Lanka are already been eliminated but they still have something to play for. It's not just about pride, but also about the Champions Trophy in 2025. They are now ranked eighth in the points table, having won two of their eight games. They must win a game and hope that Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and England do not surpass six points with a higher NRR. This will ensure a berth for the Champions Trophy 2025.

So, let us have a look at Sri Lanka's predicted XI against New Zealand.


Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne

Dimuth Karunaratne was dropped after two failures and Kusal Perera was brought back in for Sri Lanka's last game against Bangladesh. Perera did not fare well and this could lead to another change in the top order. The management could bring back Karunaratne with Pathum Nissanka for the clash against New Zealand.

Nissanka has been brilliant with the bat throughout the campaign and also notched up four consecutive fifties at one point in time. He has been a consistent batter for the Island nation since his debut.


Middle Order: Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka

Kusal Mendis has been in charge of the Sri Lankan cricket team in the absence of Dasun Shanaka. He has played some fine-tuned innings but failed to do the task with his tactics. The skipper is definitely going to be there at no. 3.

Sadeera Samarawickrama have played some fabulous knocks in the tournament so far. He has been the crisis man for the Lankan team and plays those gutsy innings when the team needs the most.

Another player of grit is Charith Asalanka. He played a sensational knock in the last game against Bangladesh, scoring his first ton in the World Cup 2023. He also played a mesmerising knock in the Asia Cup game against Pakistan. Asalanka should be a definite pick for the Lankans.


All-rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews

Sri Lanka could march with two all-rounders in the form of Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva. The former has not clicked with the bat and the latest dismissal of the all-rounder was a controversial one where the former captain was timed out. However, Mathews has been picking up wickets of late.

Dhananjaya de Silva will be the other spinner at this venue. He played an impactful knock with the bat in hand in their last game but failed to convert it into a bigger score. De Silva will also need to attack with the ball in hand more often.


Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka

Maheesh Theekshana will be the lead spinner of the Sri Lankan side in their upcoming game against New Zealand. They have used three pacers in recent times and should do it once again. Kasun Rajitha is a good bowler with the new ball and should be joined with Dilshan Madushanka. The left-arm pacer has claimed 21 wickets from eight matches so far and is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament currently. They should be accompanied by Chameera who is the speed gun of the side.


Sri Lanka Predicted XI against New Zealand

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(c/wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, and Dushmantha Chameera.