The majority of New Zealand cricket fans are cautiously optimistic about their teams chances at the impending Cricket World Cup, however, their also probably quite uncomfortable with the noise that the Black Caps are attracting. Especially due to the ease at which they’ve taken the series against Sri Lanka.
The Black Caps have not been tested in a couple of crucial areas that will make or break their World Cup campaign. Heading the list of important work ons is their death bowling at the end of a tense chase. Unfortunately, aside from game two, Sri Lanka have not got close to one of targets and the New Zealand death bowlers are underdone.
Sri Lanka on the other hand need to develop a bowling attack that can tame sides better than they have been doing. Without Malinga the tourists have struggled to bowl New Zealand out or contain some of their more destructive hitters. Plenty to practice then in Wellington, which is expected to be cloudy but dry.
The Last Time These Two Met
New Zealand are craving a close game to test their game under pressure before the World Cup. They didn’t get one in the 6th ODI in Dunedin on Sunday. Instead the Black Caps eased to a 120 run win on the back of 90’s from Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. Rather than have their bowlers tested in the final stages of the innings, the Black Caps rolled Sri Lanka for 195. Kumar Sangakkara’s 81 stood out like a sore thumb in a feeble effort.
The Teams
New Zealand (likely): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk) , 7 Corey Anderson, 8 Nathan McCullum, 9 Daniel Vettori, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Mitchell McClenaghan
Brendon McCullum is due a rest, so Tom Latham will replace him at the top of the order. His combination with Guptill may be a slow one and could heap some pressure on the finishers below them. Kyle Mills will also get some more cricket.
Sri Lanka (likely): 1 Lahiru Thirimanne, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt.)/ Dimuth Karunaratne, 6 Dinesh Chandimal, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Dhammika Prasad/ Dushmantha Chameera 10 Sachithra Senanayake, 11 Suranga Lakmal
Sri Lanka are starting to resemble the working wounded. In addition to the problems with Angelo Matthews, and Herath’s departure, Dhammika Prasad and Jeevan Mendis are also carrying niggles. As a result we could see a debut for Dushmantha Chameera.
The Key Players
Grant Elliott – How well has he slotted back in to international cricket? Coming into the series he was competing with Latham for a World Cup spot and, after a woeful start and family emergency, he looked uncertain. No more though. Elliott has settled the number five debate once and for all and will play an important part in NZ’s World Cup.
Dinesh Chandimal – After an encouraging start to the tour in the Wellington test match, Chandimal has failed to kick on and has contributed just 9 runs in two ODI games. If he is to
The Match Odds*
New Zealand – $1.57
Sri Lanka – $2.40
*Courtesy of Tom Waterhouse.
The Prediction
Momentum is a hell of a difficult thing to stop in cricket, and in our view Sri Lanka don’t quite have the resources at the moment in which to curtail New Zealand’s. We’re predicting a NZ win at the Cake Tin.
The Longshot
Grant Elliott to continue his great run of form and top score for New Zealand. $8 at Tom Waterhouse.
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.
