New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Statistical preview, pitch report, timing
New Zealand open their ICC World Cup 2019 campaign on Saturday against Sri Lanka at the Cardiff Wales Stadium. The Kiwis will be aiming to start strongly against an unpredictable Lankan outfit. Both of these teams don't start as pre-tournament favorites. Ahead of their crucial battle, we do a statistical analysis of the matches between the two sides in the tournament.
Head-to-head records between the two in Cricket World Cup
The two sides have met each other ten times in the World Cup. Lanka have pocketed six matches, whereas, the Kiwis have won four games. Their last meeting happened in the 2015 World Cup, where the Kiwis won the match by 98 runs. In overall ODI meetings, NZ have won 48 matches. Meanwhile, Lanka have sealed 41 matches. One match ended in a tie.
Top run-scorers of NZ and Lanka in World Cups
Former NZ skipper Stephen Fleming holds the record for the most runs scored by a Kiwi batsman in the World Cup (1,075). Fleming registered two hundreds and five fifties at an average of 35.83. For Sri Lanka, legend Kumar Sangakkara amassed the most runs in the World Cup. Sanga scored 1,532 runs and smashed five tons and seven fifties at an average of 56.74.
Top wicket-takers from NZ and Lanka in World Cups
Jacob Oram and Daniel Vettori have taken a total of 36 wickets each, which is joint-highest among Kiwi bowlers in the World Cup. Both these former players took two four-wicket hauls each in the CWC. For Lanka, legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for most scalps taken (68). He averaged 19.63 with the ball and played a strong role.
Here's a look at the ground stats
England's Jos Buttler has amassed the most runs at this venue (307). Shaun Marsh (131 versus England in 2018) has scripted the highest score here. England (342/8 versus Australia in 2018) hold the record for the highest total. The lowest team total is held by Lanka against NZ in 2013 (138). A total of 24 ODIs have been played at the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
NZ vs SL- Pitch report, TV listing and timing
In the recent warm-up matches at Cardiff, teams batting first scored in excess of 300. There is no rain predicted and the pitch will assist batting. There could be gentle breeze, which may help the new-ball bowlers early on. The match is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM IST. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network.
