ICC Champions Trophy, 7th Match, Group B: New Zealand v Sri Lanka at Johannesburg
Match scheduled to begin at 01:00 p.m SL time (07:30 GMT)
Team news
To play two spinners would be a bit of a gamble, and the alternative approach would be to play the extra fast bowler. The big debate is whether Sri Lanka should drop Muttiah Muralitharan for Thilan Thushara. Murali went for 60 against England, and his form hasn't been too promising lately. Mendis didn't get a wicket last game but his three against South Africa should work for him, as well as New Zealand's inexperience playing him. Sri Lanka: (probable) 1 Sanath Jayasuriya, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (capt/wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Thilan Samaraweera, 6 Thilina Kandamby, 7 Angelo Mathews, 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Thilan Thushara/Muttiah Muralitharan, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Ajantha Mendis.
Vettori's got a bit of a job on his hands - getting the right combination on the park. There's the pitch to consider and Johannesburg's strips have played for the quicks. There's the dew factor to consider too. New Zealand didn't play a second spinner against South Africa and may not here either. James Franklin has replaced Jacob Oram in the squad and presents a good case for selection given his county form for Gloucestershire. He would replace Gareth Hopkins.
New Zealand: (probable) 1 Jesse Ryder, 2 Brendon McCullum (wk), 3 Martin Guptill, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Neil Broom, 7 James Franklin, 8 Daniel Vettori (capt), 9 Kyle Mills, 10 Daryl Tuffey, 11 Shane Bond.
Stats and trivia
Team news
To play two spinners would be a bit of a gamble, and the alternative approach would be to play the extra fast bowler. The big debate is whether Sri Lanka should drop Muttiah Muralitharan for Thilan Thushara. Murali went for 60 against England, and his form hasn't been too promising lately. Mendis didn't get a wicket last game but his three against South Africa should work for him, as well as New Zealand's inexperience playing him. Sri Lanka: (probable) 1 Sanath Jayasuriya, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (capt/wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Thilan Samaraweera, 6 Thilina Kandamby, 7 Angelo Mathews, 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Thilan Thushara/Muttiah Muralitharan, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Ajantha Mendis.
Vettori's got a bit of a job on his hands - getting the right combination on the park. There's the pitch to consider and Johannesburg's strips have played for the quicks. There's the dew factor to consider too. New Zealand didn't play a second spinner against South Africa and may not here either. James Franklin has replaced Jacob Oram in the squad and presents a good case for selection given his county form for Gloucestershire. He would replace Gareth Hopkins.
New Zealand: (probable) 1 Jesse Ryder, 2 Brendon McCullum (wk), 3 Martin Guptill, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 Neil Broom, 7 James Franklin, 8 Daniel Vettori (capt), 9 Kyle Mills, 10 Daryl Tuffey, 11 Shane Bond.
Stats and trivia
- New Zealand have played Sri Lanka twice in the Champions Trophy, in the inaugural edition in 1998 and then in 2006. Sri Lanka won both matches while chasing.
- Vettori is New Zealand's most experienced player in Champions Trophy matches. In 11 games he has taken ten wickets at 36.60 and scored 195 runs at 39.00.
Good Luck Sanga & Sri Lanka Team
Post here your wishes
Post here your wishes
If you are like my post add Rep+ points
