The semifinals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup are fast approaching, and there are a few teams with a last chance for qualification. Among those teams is New Zealand, who is squaring off against Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. After their loss to Bangladesh by 3 wickets, Sri Lanka were officially knocked out of the competition on Monday. New Zealand, on the other hand, sit in fourth after losing 4 games in a row. The Black Caps have won as many games as they’ve lost, however.
For this reason, a win against Sri Lanka would send them to the semifinals of the tournament. Failure to win in this fixture would open the door for Pakistan or Afghanistan to take the remaining semifinal spot. The Black Caps started the tournament on fire, defeating England, the Netherlands, Bangladesh and South Africa in October. However, they have had a dip in form since then, losing to India, Australia, South Africa and Pakistan recently.
If they are to advance, New Zealand will have to fin the form of the early days of the tournament. Sri Lanka may already be eliminated, but they are certainly no pushovers, even though they managed to win only two of their eight games. A win would therefore restore some pride for the Sri Lankan side that underperformed at the tournament. Many regarded them as potential dark horses in this competition, but, much like England, they did not achieve expectations.
That being said, we are confident in suggest New Zealand as winner in this one. The Black Caps are fighting to stay in the tournament and, more importantly, its their last chance for qualification to the semifinals. Unless the pressure crushes them and Sri Lanka puts in a spirited performance, we’ll see New Zealand in the Top 4.
New Zealand to Win – 1.23
Sri Lanka to Win – 4.20
