World Cup 2019, Match 3 - New Zealand vs Sri Lanka - Toss Report

In-form New Zealand will be seeking a winning start to their World Cup campaign when they take on Sri Lanka at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. The Black Caps, who were the runners-up in last IPL, have looked a formidable outfit in recent times and will start the game as firm favourites. Not only firm are in New Zealand’s favour but the Kiwis are also a settled outfit. They have already defeated India in their first warm-up game although they suffered a defeat at the hands of West Indies.

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The Cardiff Wales Stadium will host four fixtures of #CWC19, starting with today's #NZvSL ?️ ?

There have been some iconic games here – will we see another? pic.twitter.com/5Pj0NCfi7K

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 1, 2019

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are playing this World Cup with a new captain in Dimuth Karunaratne. They also have a new-look side. In the ongoing year, the Islanders have lost eight ODIs while winning just one which came against Scotland. In fact, they have lost 41 of the 55 ODIs they have played since the start of 2017.

Toss Report:

New Zealand won the toss and decided to field first against Sri Lanka in the third match of the World Cup 2019.

Here is what the captains said:

Kane Williamson:

“We are gonna have a bowl. It’s a fresh wicket with a green tinge. Blundell is out. It’s a day-by-day thing. Quite not ready today. Just a one spinner and two all-rounders. That helps with the balance. For us it’s about adapting.”

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Dimuth Karunaratne:

“I would have bowled as well. We wanted to take advantage. Jeffrey Vandersay, Milinda Siriwardana, Nuwan Pradeep, Avishka Fernando are not playing. We don’t have much pressure. We want to do well. We want to show what we can do.”

Playing elevens:

New Zealand:

Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Tom Latham(w), Ross Taylor, James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

Sri Lanka:

Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Perera(w), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga