COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in a super eight encounter of T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
While the pitch at the Khettarama is fresh, conditions are predicted to be dry, suggesting that the track will slow down as the game progresses, making run-scoring increasingly difficult in the second half.
Historically, the two sides are well-acquainted in the shortest format. New Zealand and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 28 T20 matches.
The Blackcaps have won 16, while the Lankan Lions have emerged victorious on 11 occasions. One match ended without a result.
However, when it comes to the high-pressure environment of the T20 World Cup, the statistics tilt in favour of the home side.
In T20 World Cup encounters, both sides have met six times. Sri Lanka leads with three wins, New Zealand has two victories, and one match ended in a no-result.
Pitch and conditions
The cricket pitch is new, but it will probably be dry. Because of this, spin bowlers will be very important, as the ball is expected to turn.
The weather will be hot and humid, but it will not rain.
Recent form
Sri Lanka comes into the match looking to reverse a concerning trend, having lost their last three completed outings (LLWWW, last five completed matches, most recent first).
New Zealand, meanwhile, has been more consistent but suffered a loss in their most recent game (WLWWL).
Squads
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi and Cole McConchie.
