ICC World Cup 2015: Match 1 - New Zealand vs Sri Lanka preview

Match 1 - Hagley Oval, Christchurch

The biggest cricket tournament is going to kick off today with the hosts New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka. Unlike before there is a lot of expectations on the Blackcaps who are hoping to make some records straight.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has exhibited immense level of consistency in the ICC tournaments since the beginning of the 21st century.

The home side has all the bases covered and the islanders will bring out their A game to topple them.

Head to Head (in World Cup)

Matches played - 9
New Zealand 3 - 6 Sri Lanka

X factor

Kane Willamson has evolved into the status of a match winner with loads of runs in the middle order. New Zealand and Williamson will be looking to make full use of the sublime form he is in.

Considering the fact that Sri Lanka's premier fast bowler Lasith Malinga is making a comeback into international cricket after a long injury lay-off and not-so-good form of Nuwan Kulasekara, only the medium pace of Angelo Mathews pose a threat.

If the Kiwi can settle in, the co-hosts can capitalize on the base as they have an array of dangerous finishers.

Key battles

Tim Southee v Kumar Sangakkara

The wicket keeper batsman along with Mahela Jayawardene is the most influential player in the Sri Lankan batting line-up.

Trent Boult and Daniel Vettori might find it difficult against the southpaw and hence the right-arm swing bowler's role becomes much more important in tackling the veteran.

Grant Elliott v Lasith Malinga

Settling in as a consistent finisher, Elliott might have a tough time negotiating the slinger. If one needs to post competitive totals against Sri Lanka handling the right-arm pacer will be decisive.

Predicted XI

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum (c), Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi (wk), Corey Anderson, Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult.

Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne/Dinesh Chandimal, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath, Lasith Malinga

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