New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Decoding the winning Dream11 team
What's the story
New Zealand and Sri Lanka would lock horns in match number three of the ICC World Cup 2019 on Saturday in Cardiff. Sri Lanka are facing tons of issues, whereas, New Zealand remain dependent on a couple of players. Fans playing the fantasy league will need to pick a winning team. Here we decode the same for this high-octane encounter.
Batting
Ross Taylor powers the batting unit
We have gone for wicket-keeper batsman Kusal Mendis and Lahiru Thirimanne to open the innings of this Dream11 team. Thirimanne in particular can steady the ship. Kane Williamson comes in next to add substance in this line-up. The Kiwi skipper is followed by the in-form Ross Taylor, who is our choice as skipper. There is more experience in the form of Angelo Mathews (vice-captain).
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Two quality all-rounders add value
Lanka's Thisara Perera makes his presence felt in the all-round department. The quality pace-bowling all-rounder can also lift Lanka with some big hits. James Neesham joins Perera. The stylish Kiwi player is a solid hard-hitter and adds that match-winning factor in the lower middle order.
Bowling
A look at the four-man bowling attack
Trent Boult leads the bowling attack. He will look to utilize the breeze in his favor on a solid batting pitch. Boult has been bowling well and looks confident. Lasith Malinga forms the partnership with Boult. His experience will be crucial. Tim Southee adds more depth in the pace department. Jeffrey Vandersay is the lone main spinner in the side.
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Rationale behind the Dream11 team
We have gone for experience in batting and there is also presence of calm customers in the middle. The all-rounders add more steel to provide the sparks in terms of hard-hitting skills. With the track expected to be flat, the focus is on experienced pacers.
Predictions
Predicted Playing XI and possible winners
New Zealand predicted playing XI: Munro, Guptill, Williamson, Taylor, Nicholls, Blundell (wicket-keeper), Grandhomme, Neesham, Santner, Boult and Southee. Sri Lanka predicted starting XI: Karunaratne (captain), Thirimanne, Mendis, Kusal, Mathews, Perera, Dhananjaya, Pradeep, Udana, Malinga and Vandersay. Both teams haven't been at their best in ODIs since a while. This match will test their skills. We feel New Zealand could get past Lanka.