After a moment of uncertainty, co-hosts Sri Lanka qualified for the quarterfinals of this year's Cricket World Cup when they thrashed Zimbabwe by 139 runs and now the side will aim to carry forward their winning momentum when they face a resilient New Zealand side in Mumbai on the 18th.
New Zealand has also made it to the quarterfinals after beating Canada by 97 runs. Their campaign so far has been a rather smooth one with the Kiwis winning four of their five games. When they face Sri Lanka on the 18th, it will be only the third time the Black Caps are pitted against a strong opponent in the tournament. The first time was with Australia, a game they lost without much fight. They however recovered quickly to thrash Pakistan and if they can repeat the same feat today, they will enter the quarterfinals on a high.
Though New Zealand has breezed through so far, there are a few things that have got them worried. To start with, the return of their captain Daniel Vettori for the Sri Lanka game is still not certain and Kyle Mills is also out with a leg strain.
But on the positive front, B. McCullum and Guptill have been in fine nick and Taylor has made a sensational return to form in the last two games. The Kiwi bowlers too have done a fair job and will be keen on putting their best foot forward in their crucial encounter against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka on the other hand have not made a very convincing entry in the quarterfinals. Their first major test was against Pakistan and they crumbled. The next one was against Australia but the contest was washed out. So all eyes will be on the co-hosts as they face the Kiwis to see if they are really ready for the quarterfinals.
The Lankans will be playing this match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, unlike their previous matches that were held at home. So they might miss the home advantage they have enjoyed so far. But with Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan both making centuries in their last game, things are looking auspicious for the Lankans. Dilshan has also done well with the ball to further strenghten Sri Lanka's strong bowling lineup that comprises the likes of Malinga and Muralitharan. The only thing the Lankans need to improve is their fielding that was found wanting in their last match.
New Zealand has also made it to the quarterfinals after beating Canada by 97 runs. Their campaign so far has been a rather smooth one with the Kiwis winning four of their five games. When they face Sri Lanka on the 18th, it will be only the third time the Black Caps are pitted against a strong opponent in the tournament. The first time was with Australia, a game they lost without much fight. They however recovered quickly to thrash Pakistan and if they can repeat the same feat today, they will enter the quarterfinals on a high.
Though New Zealand has breezed through so far, there are a few things that have got them worried. To start with, the return of their captain Daniel Vettori for the Sri Lanka game is still not certain and Kyle Mills is also out with a leg strain.
But on the positive front, B. McCullum and Guptill have been in fine nick and Taylor has made a sensational return to form in the last two games. The Kiwi bowlers too have done a fair job and will be keen on putting their best foot forward in their crucial encounter against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka on the other hand have not made a very convincing entry in the quarterfinals. Their first major test was against Pakistan and they crumbled. The next one was against Australia but the contest was washed out. So all eyes will be on the co-hosts as they face the Kiwis to see if they are really ready for the quarterfinals.
The Lankans will be playing this match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, unlike their previous matches that were held at home. So they might miss the home advantage they have enjoyed so far. But with Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan both making centuries in their last game, things are looking auspicious for the Lankans. Dilshan has also done well with the ball to further strenghten Sri Lanka's strong bowling lineup that comprises the likes of Malinga and Muralitharan. The only thing the Lankans need to improve is their fielding that was found wanting in their last match.
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