T20 WC: Daryl Mitchell joins NZ squad for SL clash
All-rounder Daryl Mitchell will make a return in the upcoming Super 12 clash against Sri Lanka in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. Mitchell fractured his finger ahead of the T20I Tri-series at home involving Bangladesh and Pakistan earlier this month. He missed NZ's 89-run triumph over hosts Australia in the Super 12 opener. NZ are currently atop the Group 1 standings. Here's more.
Mitchell hasn't completely recovered from the injury
As per a report on ESPNcricinfo, Mitchell hasn't fully recovered from the finger injury yet. However, it won't hold him back from playing against the Lankans. He will be batting in the middle-order for the Black Caps.
A look at his T20I career
Mitchell arrived in T20I cricket in 2019, debuting against India in Wellington. Since then, the hard-hitting all-rounder has bashed 657 runs in 35 matches. He has struck at an impressive rate (141.59) and owns two fifties. The right-hander's last six T20I knocks read 31(19), 15(14), 51*(27), 16(12), 48(20), and 14(16). Mitchell, who bowls right-arm medium, has clipped 20 wickets at 20.28.
Mitchell could have featured versus Afghanistan
Tim Southee confirmed Mitchell's return to the side while talking to the media at SCG on Friday. He is most likely to replace Mark Chapman, who didn't get a chance with the willow against Australia. The veteran quick added that Mitchell could've played in the Afghanistan clash but it was washed out due to rain. He's now gearing up for Saturday's encounter against SL.
New Zealand will be favorites for SL clash
NZ own a 10-8 W/L record against the Lankans (NR: 1). Notably, the Kiwis have pocketed five of their last six bouts in T20Is. However, they suffered a forgettable 37-run beating in their last meet in 2019. Chasing 126, NZ perished on 88, with then-skipper Tim Southee (28*) as the top scorer. Meanwhile, Lankan legend Lasith Malinga had claimed a five-fer (5/6).
Mitchell is an asset for the Kiwis in T20 WC
Mitchell was one of the vital cogs in NZ's run to the final in 2021 T20 WC in UAE. The hard-hitter had racked up 208 runs at 34.67. He struck at an impressionable rate of 140.54. He was noted for his match-winning knocks against India (35-ball 49) and England (47-ball 72*) in the Super 12 and semi-finals, respectively.
NZ seated atop the Group 1 standings
NZ lead the Group 1 points table with three points (W1 NR1) They enjoy a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +4.450. Ireland trail them (W1 L1 NR1), having collected three points (-1.170). Sri Lanka and England follow suit with two points each. Afghanistan are seated fifth with 2 points from 3 games (-0.620). Australia are last with 2 points from two games (-1.555).
