Sri Lanka play for pride, New Zealand aim to improve NRR
On Saturday in Sharjah, two teams of Group A, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will play against each other. Both teams will have different goals. While Sri Lanka that has lost three of three league stages will play for pride, New Zealand that has registered one win in two matches, will look to regain their winning momentum. A win here for New Zealand will help them improve their scarred net run rate after the Australia match and also strengthen their chances of making it to the semi-finals of this ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Head-to-Head
New Zealand and Sri Lanka have played 13 T20Is against each other, of which New Zealand have won 12 and Sri Lanka have won just the one. In T20 World Cups, the two teams have met half a dozen times and New Zealand have emerged victorious on all occasions.
Squads
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Madhavi, Nilakshika de Silva, Inoka Ranaweera, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Sachini Nisansala, Vishmi Gunaratne, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana.
Players to watch out
Amelia Kerr: This talented all-rounder from New Zealand made useful contributions with bat and ball in her previous match against Australia. The right arm leg spinner claimed 4/26 in four overs. Batting at number three, the right-handed batter top scored with 29 runs from 31 balls in the same match.
Rosemary Mair: This right-arm medium pacer of New Zealand has picked six wickets in two matches, including a four-fer. She bowls well with the new ball and provides early breakthroughs to her team.
Nilakshi de Silva: This right-handed middle order batter of Sri Lanka has been the top run getter for her side in the three matches of this World Cup. She has scored 59 runs, including the best of 29 not out.
Sugandika Kumari: This left arm spinner of Sri Lanka has been the most successful bowler for her side in the three matches of this World Cup. She has scalped four wickets at an economy of under seven runs per over.
Weather
With a temperature of close to 40 degrees Celsius, expect a sunny and warm weather. Humidity will be around 36%.
Match details
Date: October 12, 2024
Time: 3:30 PM
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Live streaming: Star Sports Network, Disney + Hotstar