ICC World Cup 2019: Match 3, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka's Predicted Playing XI

The ICC World Cup 2019 is off to a great start With two great matches in the first two days. The third encounter will witness Sri Lanka go up against New Zealand on June 1 (Saturday) at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have come to this tournament with very less expectations and will hope to give their best to ring some surprises. They have had a dismal time in the past few years and have a new skipper in Dimuth Karunaratne. Notably, Karunaratne has not played an ODI game since the 2015 World Cup. The southpaw will have to lead the side from the front and motivate his players to bring the best out of them.

Avishka Fernando suffered an injury during the warm-up games; however, there is no news about his participation.

Date and Time: June 1 (Saturday) from 3:00 PM IST, at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff

Here is the predicted playing XI of Sri Lanka against Windies for match 3 of ICC World Cup 2019 at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff:

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LAHIRU THIRIMANNE

Lahiru Thirimanne has been among the runs in recent time, and Sri Lanka will badly want their experienced campaigners to provide good starts. Coming from a half-century in the last warm-up game, Thirimanne will look to keep up the good work.

DIMUTH KARUNARATNE

Dimuth Karunaratne will have to lead this team from the front.  He has returned to the ODI setup after four years and the onus on will be on him to motivate the whole team and bring the best out of his players.

KUSAL PERERA

Kusal Perera has not been among the runs in recent times and will have to hit the strides soon. The 88 ODI veteran has a fair bit of experience and will want to make his presence felt at the biggest event.

KUSAL MENDIS

Kusal Mendis has got starts scoring the 25-30s, but the big score is yet to come in recent times. Mendis will have to understand his role in the team and take responsibility and play big knocks to help Sri Lanka post massive totals.

ANGELO MATTHEWS

Angelo Matthews is one of the experienced cricketers in this line-up. Matthews has blown hot and cold in recent times, and the management will want him to score some runs and lead Sri Lanka to few wins in this World Cup.

DHANANJAYA DE SILVA

Dhananjaya de Silva is not in the best of form which sums of Sri Lanka’s performance in recent times. They will have to do the scoring and contribute to the team’s success to make a mark at the biggest cricketing extravaganza.

THISARA PERERA

Thisara Perera has a lot of experience behind his back, playing all over the globe. Perera will have to bring all his experience and deliver for his country. His ability to contribute in all the departments will make him an essential stakeholder in that line-up.

JEEVAN MENDIS

The 36-year-old Jeevan Mendis has been in and out of the team and has played only 55 ODIs since making his debut in 2010. His leg-spin will come in handy for Sri Lanka along with his batting which will add value to the line-up.

ISURU UDANA

Isuru Udana is only six ODIs old and will have a tough task ahead of himself. The bowling all-rounder will have to be in his top form and help Sri Lanka stun New Zealand in their tournament opener.

LASITH MALINGA

Lasith Malinga is a great servant of Sri Lankan cricket, and he will have to be at his best in this World Cup if Sri Lanka have to register few wins. The veteran fast bowler has been in form in the recently concluded IPL and will look to keep up the good work going.

SURANGA LAKMAL

Suranga Lakmal will have to generate good pace and provide early breakthroughs for Sri Lanka. He is a seasoned customer and needs to stand up to the expectation in England.