Newzealand V/s Srilanka: 4th ODI Preview

New Zealand Vs Sri Lanka-4th ODI

It's been a cracker of a contest between these New Zealand and Sri Lanka who currently rank 6th and 4th respectively on the ICC ODI Rankings Table.

Eventually, these two teams met a month ago during which Sri Lankans were hosting the New Zealanders, but it's the way around now, New Zealanders now host the Sri Lankans.

3 ODI's have been completed between them with the series being tied at 1-1. The 3rd ODI between them was abandoned because of excessive rains.

The 4th ODI between them will be taking place at the Saxton Oval, Nelson on 20th January,2015 at 3 30 hours (IST).

• Now, about the 4th ODI (Overview) :-

The recent performances of Brendon McCullum's men have slowly improved their World Cup stocks from 'dark horses' to 'possible semi-finalists'.

 A win in Nelson tomorrow will not only reinforce their current standing in World cricket but also give them a crucial lead in the tune-up series.

 Brendon Mcculum plays a shot while being in formidable form

 That holds true for Sri Lanka, too. after an indifferent performance in the first ODI, they put up a far better show in Hamilton. 

A win in Nelson, will mark a good turnaround of fortunes after the drubbing in the Test series.

For Sri Lanka, it's obvious to win as they would like to maintain their 4th place or even may try to become 3rd.

• Now, about New Zealand:-

Brendon McCullum has stood head and shoulders above his mates in terms of performances. His blitz in the first ODI was followed by an equally entertaining century in the second. Much of the team's fortunes hinges on how McCullum goes at the top of the order. 

 That isn't to say that New Zealand is a one-man team. In fact, their pace bowling combination of Trent Boult, Adam Milne andMitchell McClenaghan have been thoroughly impressive. The middle-order's competence against quality spin remains an area of concern. Ross Taylor, after being rested for the opening encounter, has struggled to get going.

Ditto for Tom Latham despite a dogged 42 in the abandoned third ODI.Grant Elliott will take his place in the middle-order and New Zealand will take a late call on Kane Williamson's fitness.
Looking at all their team, they are likely to win as their whole team is in form.

New Zealand team celebrating after their win

• Now, about Sri Lanka:-

Sri Lanka fought back well after the defeat in Christchurch. Tillakaratne Dilshan's century in Hamilton gave them a much needed win on the tour. With Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkaraand Angelo Mathews around, the batting still looks capable.

 They will however, be vary of Lahiru Thirimanne's no-show. While their pacers have gone for plenty in the face of McCullum's onslaughts, the return of Rangana Herath and his combination with Sachithra Senanayake holds Sri Lanka in good stead. 

Srilankan team celebrating a wicket

Dilshan meanwhile has emerged as a capable bowling option for Mathews and could prompt the skipper to play an extra seamer.
Both the sides will give them tough competition, thought the New Zealanders having a upper hand because 

it's their home now.

PITCH:-In a stark contrast to the weather in Auckland, Nelson is expected to be bright and sunny.
So, that's all from this preview of the match. I hope you enjoyed it, and yeah it's going to be a cracker of a contest.
Tune yourself up for this match. Bye-bye and take care for now.

                                 

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