Sri Lanka face in-form hosts in final bid to maintain World Cup qualification hopes alive

Having shared the factors, and regardless of Sri Lanka additionally being docked a Super League level for a gradual over-rate within the first ODI, the equation however stays the identical for the guests; win the sport on Friday and drive South Africa and Ireland to win their remaining video games this World Cup cycle. Indeed, if each slip up, as inconceivable as it might be, Sri Lanka would possibly simply sneak into the ultimate computerized qualification spots.

But to even entertain that distant notion Sri Lanka should first exit and beat New Zealand in Hamilton – a floor the place the hosts have received 10 of their final 12 accomplished ODIs relationship again to 2014. Sri Lanka, although in equity, are one of many two sides to have crushed the hosts throughout that interval. But in fact, that was a much more classic Sri Lankan line-up with a high order stacked with modern-day greats resembling Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

This current Sri Lankan outfit does not fairly boast the identical pedigree, even when Angelo Mathews stays a tether between the 2, but it surely’s in no way a poor one – they’ve in truth crushed each Australia and South Africa, albeit at house, in current instances – so dealing with off towards a New Zealand group shorn of a number of of its first alternative gamers ought to have in idea made for some fairly aggressive cricket, house or away. Which is what made the end result of that first, tremendously one-sided ODI so jarring.

It’s been almost every week since then, and the washed-out second match would have little question given the guests an additional couple of days to stew over that abysmal efficiency in Auckland.

Going into the sequence decider New Zealand will as soon as extra be fielding a bunch of gamers pushing arduous for World Cup spots. As for Sri Lanka, what they’ve introduced not too long ago hasn’t been anyplace close to adequate. Qualification could also be out of their palms too, however it could be good in the event that they at the very least gave themselves a shot at it.

(Last 5 accomplished matches; most up-to-date first)

New Zealand WLLLW
Sri Lanka LLLLW

In the highlight: Chad Bowes and Dhananjaya de Silva

He has needed to bide his time, however at 30 years of age Chad Bowes lastly made his long-awaited worldwide bow within the first ODI. And whereas his keep on the crease might need been temporary, it gave the sense of a person comfy together with his recreation. That mentioned, his major place is on the high of the order – an space admittedly not high of the hosts’ pre-World Cup priorities. But with loads of white-ball cricket forward of the event, a trademark Bowes barrage on Friday definitely would not harm his probabilities of settling within the selectors’ ideas.
It would not be unfair to say that Dhananjaya de Silva has flattered to deceive all through his profession. In Tests, 3006 runs at a mean of 38.53 hints at unfulfilled potential. In T20Is, he is confirmed to be a helpful allrounder together with his speedy offbreaks – although it says one thing when it is his bowling moderately than batting that tends to be the important thing consider his inclusion. His worst format is then arguably ODIs, the place he strikes at simply 78 and averages 26.28. Nevertheless his omission from the primary one-dayer triggered a minor social media furore, illustrating how extremely he’s regarded regardless of his shortcomings. If Sri Lanka are to construct a profitable head of steam resulting in the World Cup, Dhananjaya – amongst others – might want to begin dwelling as much as the hype.
Henry Nicholls and Mark Chapman had been set to return in for IPL-bound Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips forward of the second recreation, and people will doubtless stay the 2 modifications.

New Zealand (possible): 1 Henry Nicholls, 2 Chad Bowes, 3 Will Young, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Tom Latham (capt, wk), 6 Mark Chapman, 7 Rachin Ravindra, 8 Henry Shipley, 9 Matt Henry, 10 Ish Sodhi, 11 Blair Tickner

With allrounders Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne holding their very own with the ball within the first ODI, Sri Lanka might search to strengthen their batting by bringing in Dhananjaya on the expense of the costly Dilshan Madushanka.

Sri Lanka (potential): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Nuwanidu Fernando, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Angelo Mathews, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 7 Dhananjaya de Silva, 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Wanindu Hasaranga, 10 Kasun Rajitha, 11 Lahiru Kumara

Source web site: www.espncricinfo.com

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