ICC World Cup 2019: Match 3, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

The ball has been set rolling for the World Cup now and the much-anticipated event has surely begun with a bang. In the third match of the competition, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will clash after warming up decently in the lead-up. The Kiwis had two contrasting matches as they thrashed India to start off but then conceded 421 runs to the Windies and will now be aware of what’s in store for the bowlers in the tournament.

Sri Lanka are coming with literally no expectations into the World Cup this time. They, however, have the ability to spoil the party for the teams. To start off with, they are likely to go with Jeffrey Vandersay as the lone spinner with Dhananjaya de Silva to assist him while Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga and Isuru Udana could be the three pacers. For New Zealand, there could be a toss-up between Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson for the second seamer’s spot while Tom Blundell might make his ODI debut.

Match Details

The 3rd match of the ICC World Cup 2019 will be played between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

The match starts at 10:30 AM local time (9:30 AM GMT) (3:00 PM IST).

The game will be live on Star Sports. Live streaming available on Hotstar.

Weather Report

As it has been throughout the country, there will be a fair amount of cloud cover during the match in Cardiff as well. But no rain is in the forecast which should be the good news for the fans. The temperature will hover around 20-22 Degrees Celsius during the contest in the middle.

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Sophia Gardens is full of runs this season. Even in the warm-up matches, the score of 300 was easily crossed by the teams batting first. Flat track is expected to be on offer and the batsmen from both the sides would hope to make first use of the wicket to post a huge total on the board.

Average first innings score: 321 (Last five completed One-Day matches (including World Cup warm-ups) at the venue.

Record of the chasing teams: Won – 0; Lost – 5

Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand

Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Tom Blundell (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi.

Bench – Lockie Ferguson, Colin Munro, Tom Latham, Matt Henry.

Sri Lanka

Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera (wk), Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Jeffrey Vandersay.

Bench – Avishka Fernando, Jeevan Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Nuwan Pradeep.

Team News:

Tom Latham missed the warm-up games due to injury and looks doubtful for this encounter as well.

Avishka Fernando sustained an injury during their first warm-up game and there is no update about his fitness yet.

Power Picks:

Kane Williamson in England since 2015:

Matches: 8

Runs: 640

High Score:118

Average: 80

Strike-Rate: 99.53

100s: 2

50s: 5

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Dimuth Karunaratne.

Vice-Captain Options: Thisara Perera, Trent Boult, Kusal Mendis.

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Wicket-Keepers –Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera

Batsmen – Dimuth Karunaratne, Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill (C), Ross Taylor

All-Rounders – Thisara Perera (VC), James Neesham

Bowlers – Isuru Udana, Trent Boult, Matt Henry.

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Grand/Mega Leagues:

Wicket-Keepers – Kusal Mendis (VC), Tom Latham

Batsmen – Angelo Mathews, Kane Williamson (C), Martin Guptill, Dimuth Karunaratne

All-Rounders – Dhananjaya de Silva, Colin de Grandhomme

Bowlers – Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Trent Boult.

Expert Advice:

New Zealand batsmen might make merry on Cardiff pitch if they bat first. Opt for their top four if they are chasing.

Pick Trent Boult in any case and can make vice-captain as he can pick around 3-4 wickets easily.

Probable Winners:

New Zealand are expected to win this match.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.