MATCH ANALYSIS IN BRIEF
| Date | Thursday 9th November, 2023 at 14:00 (IST) and at 08:30 (UK) |
| Venue | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka will take place at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India |
| Weather | Conditions are likely to be quite warm with sporadic sunshine and light winds, but there is a chance of thundery showers across the scheduled hours of play, whilst temperatures remain at around 26 C. |
| TV & Streaming | Viewers in India: you can watch this match live on Star Sports channels or stream it via the Disney+ Hotstar app. |
| Viewers in Pakistan: you can watch this match live on both PTV Sports and A-Sports or stream it through the PTVFLIX App. | |
| Viewers in Sri Lanka: you can watch this match live on Maharaja TV or stream it on Sirasatv. Lk. | |
| Viewers in Afghanistan: you can watch this match live on Ariana TV. | |
| Viewers in Bangladesh: you can watch it on Gazi TV or stream it through Rabbithole. | |
| Viewers in the UK: you can watch this match live on Sky Sports or stream it via the Sky Go App. | |
| Viewers in Australia: you can watch this match live on Fox Sports or stream it via the Foxtel or Kayo Sports app. | |
| Viewers in South Africa: you can watch this match on SuperSport channels or stream it via the SuperSport app. | |
| Viewers in the USA and Canada: you can watch this match live on Willow TV, whilst viewers from the USA can also stream it via the ESPN+ app. |
KEY BETTING STATS
- New Zealand have won each of their last seven official ODIs against Bangladesh – To Win the Match.
- Rachin Ravindra has scored 523 runs across the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup so far, more than any other New Zealand player – Team – Top Batter.
- Dilshan Madushanka has taken 2+ wickets in seven of Sri Lanka’s eight 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup group stage matches played so far – Bowler Milestones.
BETTING ANALYSIS For NEW ZEALAND
As can so often happen in a major tournament, one team starts brilliantly, and then their form drops off a cliff later in the tournament, leading to their eventual downfall. New Zealand are in huge danger of suffering this exact fate, having won their first four group stage fixtures before losing their following four matches. Following their DLS defeat against Pakistan last time out, the Black Caps will be hoping fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is fit enough to return here, with spinner Ish Sodhi likely to drop out if so.
After a spell out with a fractured thumb, captain Kane Williamson came back into the side vs Pakistan, making his second appearance in the competition. The 33-year-old struck 95, meaning that in just two innings across this World Cup, Williamson has accumulated 173 runs in total, twice passing 70+ runs. With that in mind, back Williamson to utilize his undoubted quality and accrue over 32.5 runs (1.83) via the ‘Batter Match Runs’ market. It’s also worth placing a stake on Williamson to score a fifty (2.50) or even score a hundred (6.00).
However, Williamson isn’t the only New Zealand batter worthy of investment. Rachin Ravindra has been one of the best players across the tournament and, on Saturday, became the first player in World Cup history to strike three centuries before the age of 24. Across seven innings, Ravindra has scored 523 runs at an average of 74.71, and it would be a surprise if he was to fail here. Back Ravindra to score 50+ runs (2.50) for the sixth time over the course of the competition so far.
Although Mitchell Santner fired blanks at the weekend, the left-arm spin-bowler has been New Zealand’s most potent bowler in the group stage, averaging two wickets per game, having taken 14 in total. With that in mind, it would be a shrewd play backing Santner to record over 1.5 wickets (1.80) against Sri Lanka.
BETTING ANALYSIS For SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka fell to a third consecutive group stage defeat this past Monday, losing by three wickets to Bangladesh, meaning they have lost five from eight across the group stage. With one match left to play, Sri Lanka realistically needs two points from this encounter, or they may find themselves finishing outside the top eight of this World Cup group, thus failing to qualify for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
There’s no doubt as to who has been Sri Lanka’s best player out in India. Dilshan Madushanka has consistently challenged opposition batters with his left-arm pace-bowling, particularly with the new ball, and has been rewarded with plenty of wickets. As it stands, Madushanka has racked up 21 wickets, by far the most of any Sri Lankan bowler, and saw him top the overall tournament wicket-taking charts as of Monday night. Therefore, investment in him to once again finish as Sri Lanka’s top bowler (2.75) has to be favored.
Madushanka’s clinical edge has caught eyes from across the cricketing world, and his last three appearances have seen him record figures of 3/69, 5/80, and 2/48, respectively. Back Madushanka to gain 2+ wickets (1.80) against New Zealand and even 3+ wickets (3.50) if you are looking for a higher profit margin.
After having been dropped against Afghanistan and India, Kusal Perera was brought back into the side vs Bangladesh but could only make 4 before being dismissed by Shoriful Islam. Should Perera be given one more chance in this contest, consider backing Perera to end up scoring under 22.5 runs (1.83) for what would be the fourth time in a row.
CRICKET 8’S EXPERT PREDICTION
Despite New Zealand still fighting for a place in the semi-finals and Sri Lanka not being able to finish in the top four, the latter still have plenty to play for, not least the ICC Champions Trophy qualification. The two nations are both struggling for form, with each on the back of losing streaks, but on what is likely to be a very good batting pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, expect a high-scoring contest.
When the going gets tough for New Zealand, they need their big players and leaders to step up. Kane Williamson is just the sort of calm, composed figure that they need batting at number three. A player of his class and control should prove too strong for the Sri Lankan bowlers and is expected to record another big score for the Black Caps here, regardless of the final outcome.
TIP
KANE WILLIAMSON TO SCORE 50+ RUNS (2.50)
