T20 World Cup 2022: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Preview, Playing XI, Head to Head, Where to Watch on TV, & Live Streaming Details for T20 WC

Kane Williamson's New Zealand will square off against Asian champions Sri Lanka in their third Super 12 encounter of the ongoing T20 World Cup in Australia. The Kiwis, who dismantled Trans-Tasman rivals Australia in their campaign opener to exact revenge from last year's final, had to share a point with Afghanistan after the persistent rain in Melbourne had the final say in their second match.

The Kiwis made a blistering start to their campaign defeating the defending champions comprehensively in the curtain raiser of the Super 12 stage. They would've liked to continue that momentum against Afghanistan in the second game, only for rain to play spoilsports. Williamson's side are one of the favorites to make it to the semi-finals this year.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka were blown away by the Aussie batters in the second game as the home side bounced back in style from the defeat against New Zealand. The islanders were in the game up until the ten-over mark in the second innings before Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis flexed their muscles.

The latter, in particular, was in a menacing mood as his 17-ball half-century took the Sri Lankan bowling apart as the Aussies strolled past the target with more than three overs to spare in the match. The Asia Cup winners are plagued by injuries and face a stiff challenge from the Kiwis in a decisive clash at the SCG on Saturday, October 29.

Pitch Conditions

The surface at the SCG favours the batters heavily, with both matches at this venue in the tournament so far producing high-scoring affairs. The slower bowlers might come into play as the match progress but will have to be at their disciplined best to escape punishment. The team winning the toss would like to bat first, as the previous two encounters have been won by the team batting first at this ground.

Playing Combinations for NZ vs SL

New Zealand

The Kiwis dropped veteran opening batter, Martin Guptill, in favour of the exciting young Finn Allen against Australia. The decision proved to be a masterstroke as the youngster provided a breathtaking start to the Blackcaps at the top of the order. Ace all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is expected to make his return to the playing eleven.

Predicted Playing XI: Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Sri Lanka 

The subcontinent side have been unlucky with injuries in the tournament so far as pacer Binura Fernando joined a long list of injured players after limping off against Australia. Wanindu Hasaranga's poor outing will also be a concern for the islanders, as he is one of their most crucial players.

Predicted Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head

Played- 19 | New Zealand- 10 | Sri Lanka- 8 | NR- 01

NZ vs SL Broadcast Details

Match Timings- 1:30 PM IST

TV- Star Sports

Streaming- Disney+ Hotstar

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