ICC World Cup 2023 Live Streaming: How to Watch New Zealand vs Sri Lanka | Match 41

• New Zealand must win against Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup.
• Rain could affect the match and alter the semifinal picture.
• Both teams face challenges, intensifying the match’s significance.

New Zealand, runners-up in the last two World Cups, finds itself in a precarious position in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. After winning their first four games, the Kiwis have suffered four successive losses, putting their chances of reaching the semifinals in jeopardy. They face a must-win match against Sri Lanka on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India.

The match is further complicated by the threat of rain, which could disrupt the proceedings and potentially lead to a washout. A washout would benefit either Pakistan or Afghanistan, who have the same number of points as New Zealand but lag behind in net run rate. They could leapfrog New Zealand and claim the last remaining spot in the final four.

Despite the weather uncertainties, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson remains focused on the game. “There’s lots of things that we can’t control, and the weather is one of those,” Williamson said. “At the end of the day, our focus will be on the cricket that we want to play and trying to put all our focus and energy into that.”

Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, is also battling its own challenges. They recently lost a match against Bangladesh and currently occupy eighth place in the points table. They are determined to maintain or improve their position to secure a spot among the top eight teams that will qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

The weather forecast for Bengaluru suggests the possibility of rain for at least two hours during the game. While the Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for its ability to cope with rainfall, the match’s completion could be in jeopardy if the downpour persists.

In their previous encounters in the ICC Cricket World Cup, New Zealand and Sri Lanka have met on 11 occasions, with Sri Lanka holding a slight edge, having secured six victories compared to New Zealand’s five.

Both teams have faced a string of poor results in the tournament, with Sri Lanka suffering six losses in their eight games so far.

New Zealand Team News:

• Lockie Ferguson, who missed the previous two games due to an Achilles tendon injury, has now recovered and is available for selection.
• Fast bowler Matt Henry was ruled out of the tournament with a torn hamstring, and Kyle Jamieson has replaced him in the squad.

Predicted XI:

• Devon Conway
• Rachin Ravindra
• Kane Williamson (captain)
• Daryl Mitchell
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• Mark Chapman
• Glenn Phillips
• Mitchell Santner
• Tom Latham
• Lockie Ferguson
• Tim Southee
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• Trent Boult

Sri Lanka Team News:

• Despite injuries during the tournament, Sri Lanka is expected to have all players from their previous match available for selection.

Predicted XI:

• Pathum Nissanka
• Kusal Perera
• Kusal Mendis (captain)
• Sadeera Samarawickrama
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• Charith Asalanka
• Angelo Mathews
• Dhananjaya de Silva
• Maheesh Theekshana
• Dushmantha Chameera
• Kasun Rajitha
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• Dilshan Madushanka

As cricket fans and teams brace for an intense encounter, all eyes will be on the skies and the outcome of this critical match that could determine the fate of these two cricketing nations in the ICC World Cup 2023.

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