It’s very uncommon if a New Zealand cricketing summer doesn’t get affected by rain at least once, so it should come as no surprise that after a series of perfect weather the one part of the country that was benefiting from one of its best summer’s should have a match washed out.
Both teams then will enjoy the change of scenery to one of New Zealand’s sunniest – Nelson. Game four at Saxton Oval is an important one in the scope of the series. While a drawn series is still a possibility after the washout, the winner of today’s game will take a giant stride in taking out the series.
Saxton has hosted only one previous ODI, so it’s difficult to predict how it will play. One thing is clear though – both sides will welcome the sunshine.
The Last Time These Two Met
Eden Parks’ game two was washed out after only 28.5 overs of stop start play was possible. In that time New Zealand had worked their way to 145/3 with Martin Guptill returning to form with an unbeaten 66. Guptill’s runs, including four 4’s and three 6’s, were made after a sluggish start. They were exactly what the doctor ordered for the New Zealand team that were becoming too reliant on captain Brendon McCullum. If Guptill can continue his form, turn over the strike a bit more, it will ease the pressure on McCullum and should set up some big totals. Tom Latham also pitched in with 42, and Angelo Matthews had all 3 wickets for Sri Lanka.
The Teams
New Zealand (likely): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt), 3 Tom Latham/Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk) , 7 Corey Anderson, 8 Nathan McCullum/ Daniel Vettori, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Mitchell McClenaghan, 11 Matt Henry/Trent Boult
Kane Williamson who is such a key part of the Black Caps World Cup plans is regaining fitness and may be included if feeling up to it on the day. Grant Elliot is available, and the bowlers will likely continue their musical chairs.
Sri Lanka (likely): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Lahiru Thirimanne, 7 Thisara Perara, 8 Jeevan Mendis, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Sachithra Senanayake, 11 Suranga Lakmal/Rangana Herath
Sri Lanka have added leg-spinning allrounder Seekkuge Prasanna and quick Dushmantha Chameera as cover for Suranga Lakmal, and Rangana Herath is also under an injury cloud. However, we expect the team to line up as above and Herath to be available. His fielding is never important and his action so compete he should be okay to play with the slight niggle.
The Key Players
Tim Southee – In the series thus far New Zealand have struggled to take early wickets. Hundreds have come from Sri Lanka’s opener and number 4, which means the Black Caps inability to make quick inroads is hurting them. One player who can turn that around is the retuning Tim Southee. He didn’t get a chance in Auckland due to the rain but he’ll love bowling in the swing friendly conditions of Nelson.
Angelo Mathews – As a captain he probably under-utlises himself at the bowling crease, but he needn’t. Unless the reasons for doing so are injury related, Matthews should continue to trust himself to either stifle runs or take valuable wickets. His three at Eden Park may give him the confidence to bowl more. If not, he’s still a key player for his batsmanship.
The Match Odds*
New Zealand – $1.50
Sri Lanka – $2.60
*Courtesy of Unibet.
The Prediction
New Zealand benefited more than Sri Lanka did in the washout at Auckland. Martin Guptill’s open wicket net session was the perfect tonic for him to return to form; Latham too. Therefore, we’re picking a New Zealand win on the back of a complete batting performance (maybe even more runs from Guptill if you fancy a top run-scorer flutter).
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
