World Cup 2023, NZ vs SL | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview, Live Streaming

New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in Match 41st [PC: Getty]

New Zealand will square off against Sri Lanka on Thursday in Match 41st of the ongoing 2023 World Cup at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The enthralling contest in the city of gardens will mark the end of the league fixtures for both the teams in the competition.

NZ vs SL: Team Previews

New Zealand

Rachin Ravindra has three centuries in 2023 World Cup. [PC: Getty]

The Blackcaps got off to a flying start but their campaign took a horrendous turn in the second half of the tournament. They marked their arrival with four consecutive wins at the start which was followed by four straight losses. 

Things have gone from bad to worse for the kiwis with a good number of their players battling with injuries from the very beginning of the competition. 

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The return of Kane Williamson has surely boosted their chances from the last game but with only one league fixture in their hands to take semi-final birth makes it a must win contest for them.

They are currently sitting at the fourth position in the points table with four wins in eight games. They surely cannot afford another result not going their way which would mean the elimination of the 2019 runners-up.

Sri Lanka

Dilshan Madushanka is the highest wicket-taker in 2023 World Cup [PC: X]

Sri Lanka have had another disappointing campaign in an ICC tournament. The Asian giants started off with three defeats in a row, managed a couple of wins against Netherlands and England to get themselves up and running.

However, the 1996 winners could not continue their winning form as they suffered defeats in the following three games which led them to the exit door of the competition. Noticeably, even though the Lankan Lions are out of the semi-final race, they have a significant reason to take the field on Thursday. 

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With the 2025 Champions Trophy Qualification at stake, Kusal Mendis and his men will be looking to secure the important two points from this game and ensure their place in the next 50-over mega event.

NZ vs SL: Match Details & Live Streaming

NZ vs SL: Bengaluru Pitch Report

The surface at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is generally a good one to bat on, with some initial help for seamers with the new ball. The last World Cup game at the venue saw both the teams scoring over eight runs per over. The surface does not change much and remains the same throughout the game, therefore the team winning the toss will likely to bowl first. Looking at the recent results here, another high-scoring game is anticipated.

NZ vs SL: Probable Playing 11

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka.

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NZ vs SL: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

NZ vs SL: Winner Prediction

Despite losing the last four games, New Zealand are expected to finally break the streak and get the better of Sri Lanka in this match.