It was only recently that New Zealand and Sri Lanka clashed in a seven-match series in the former's home, which the Kiwis won by an impressive 4-2 margin. Having triumphed in the series and playing in known conditions would definitely give the co-hosts a significant advantage. They would like to carry on their form into the World Cup as well. A confident start would be a definite morale booster to the team. As for Sri Lanka, they would be somewhat disappointed to have lost out to Zimbabwe in the warm-ups, but that shouldn't ideally worry them much. If they want to look at the positives, the fact is that they triumphed in their last encounter against New Zealand.
Looking at New Zealand first, this is a great opportunity for them to recapture the spirit of 1992. In Brendon McCullum, they have an inspirational captain, who is at the peak of his powers as a batsman. In fact, if you look at New Zealand's entire batting line-up, it is probably their strongest in ages. Kane Williamson is one of the best talents going around, and their former skipper Ross Taylor still has a lot to offer with the bat. Opener Martin Guptill finally seems to be attaining a level of consistency. Lower down the order, Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi are two power hitters who have the ability to turn around games on their own.
New Zealand have a settled bowling line up as well. Tim Southee with his pace and talent is among the most dangerous fast bowlers in world cricket today. He has a dependable ally in Trent Boult, who has similar attributes. On their day, either can be a match-winner with the ball. It is not surprising that New Zealand have retained Kyle Mills, for he can be expected to chip in with 10 overs everytime he is chosen. Then, there is Mitchell McClenaghan, who has been impressive more often than not. Among the spinners Nathan McCullum should be impressive with his off-spinners, which he has been for so long. Daniel Vettori is still around, and though he is past his prime, he has been successful in keeping things tight.
The one reason why Sri Lanka would be confident of doing well in this World Cup is because of their overall squad, which is well balanced. If you take away one of the opening slots, presently occupied by Lahiru Thirimanne, and one position in the middle order, everything is in place. Tillakaratne Dilshan seems to be in the form of his life, and the other two veterans in the side, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene are still getting hundreds. This will be the last World Cup appearance for the trio, and having been losing finalists in the last two editions, they would be keen to sign off on a high.
Sri Lanka's bowling is slightly weak in comparison. Having said that ten overs from Lasith Malinga are often enough for them to clinch a match, sometimes even less. Nuwan Kulasekara is a hard trier who can be useful especially in Kiwi conditions. Rangana Herath will be the key for them in the spin department, having taken over the mantle from Muttiah Muralitharan. Jeevan Mendis can also turn his arm around, but the rest are pretty inexperienced. They have good talent in the all-round department though. Skipper Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera can be effective with bat and ball, and their efforts could make a major difference.
--By A Cricket Analyst
