Seven matches can tend to drag on. The hope is that this series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka won’t suffer from the same fate because of its proximity to the Cricket World Cup beginning in February. Teams will tinker with line-ups, change Powerplay tactics, and generally familiarise themselves with the conditions they will face in the upcoming showpiece. Those maths make the series an exciting prospect, and given New Zealand’s recent form it should be well patronised by a supporting public.
The Last Time These Two Met
The teams drew a three match series (one was washed out) in November 2013 in the sub-continent, but history shouldn’t count for much after the surprising two-nil result in the test series and the likelihood of significant rotation of the personnel used in this series. If anything, the teams form in their respective past series give a better reflection of the expected evens; Sri Lanka beat England at home and New Zealand beat Pakistan away.
The Teams
New Zealand (likely): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt.), 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Grant Elliott, 5 Tom Latham, 6 Luke Ronchi (wk) , 7 Corey Anderson, 8 Nathan McCullum, 9 Mitchell McClenaghan/Adam Milne, 10 Kyle Mills, 11 Trent Boult
Tim Southee and Ross Taylor have been rested for the first match which allows Tom Latham and Grant Elliot to battle it out in the middle order for the final World Cup spot. Trent Boult returns to limited overs cricket for the first time in a while, meaning McClenaghan and Milne will in all probability compete for the third seamer role.
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/ Dhammika Prasad, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Sachithra Senanayake, 11 Suranga Lakmal
Dilshan and Jayawardene provide a much needed boost to the Sri Lankan squad. Their presence will undoubtedly raise the belief of the team; something that is much needed after the test defeats. Karunaratne may get a chance to open, so Mahela will have to move down the order to accommodate him. Perara, Kulasekara and Senanayake (and possibly Mendis) are also available.
The Key Players
Corey Anderson – The all-rounder is still riding the coattails of his record-breaking hundred in Queenstown some 12 months ago. Since then he’s struggled to reach those lofty heights and has struggled for runs in most forms of the game. The big but though is that New Zealand wickets and small grounds suit his play, Hagley could be where he rediscovers his mojo.
Lahiru Thirimanne – A key piece in the Sri Lanka’s World Cup armoury the stylish left hander found some form in the Wellington test and will be hoping to continue it in his middle order role. He’s at $7.50 to top score if you willing to take the risk of a middle order play getting enough overs to outscore the others.
The Match Odds*
New Zealand – $1.59
Sri Lanka – $2.35
The Series Odds*
New Zealand – $1.40
Sri Lanka – $2.95
*International Cricket odds courtesy of Luxbet.
The Prediction
New Zealand were devastating with the bat when they batted in Christchurch in the test series. Brendon McCullum’s fond memories will assist his return to the top of the order and will set the scene for a close win.
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.
