Published: Feb 14, 2015, 03:22 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 14, 2015, 03:31 AM (IST)
Former champions and two times runners up Sri Lanka are playing co-hosts for this year’s World Cup New Zealand in the inaugural encounter. The Kiwis are strong favourites to win the trophy this time around, whereas Sri Lanka are not being rated highly in this edition. Though they have the capability of surprising their opponents. The Brendon McCullum-led team have a strong outfit and they will be a tough team to beat. Live Scorecard of the 1st ODI Pool A encounter between New Zealand and Sri Lanka
The New Zealand ODI seam attack is perhaps the best in the world: Southee and Trent Boult would match any new-ball pair; Kyle Mills has the experience and control; Adam Milne is genuinely quick; Mitchell McClenaghan, full of variations; Nathan McCullum, is unlikely to play, as New Zealand would probably play that old sly fox, Vettori; he will still have a trick or two up his sleeve. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE
New Zealand’s fielding standards have been traditionally high (often the best in the world). Add to that the home advantage: of their 17 home matches in 2014 and 2015 with decisions, New Zealand have won 12 and lost five (only Australia has better numbers). Restrict the opposition to only subcontinent oppositions, and the ratio reads 10:2. In addition to that, they have steamrolled South Africa by a 134-run margin: all New Zealand batsmen scored runs and no bowler went at above six. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
The other aspect Sri Lanka needs to be wary of is Kiwi tactics: the last time New Zealand played in a World Cup at home they had won seven matches on the trot, and Martin Crowe’s shrewd tactics (involving a spinner to start bowling, playing a bunch of four military-medium pacers, using a pinch hitter, and frequent bowling changes) played a crucial role; who knows what “Baz” may unleash this time on his unsuspecting opposition? ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage
Squads:
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (c & wk), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi (wk), Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee, Kyle Mills, Trent Boult, Mitchell McClenaghan, Tom Latham, Nathan McCullum, Adam Milne
Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (c), Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan (wk), Dimuth Karunaratne, Lahiru Thirimanne (wk), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayake, Jeevan Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera
Live Updates: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Pool A game at Christchurch
