The match is a must-win affair for Sri Lanka if they are to keep themselves in contention for the semi-finals. New Zealand, meanwhile, are also roaring to get their first win after their previous clash against Pakistan was abandoned due to rain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After winning the toss, Shanaka said Asalanka comes in for Kamil Mishara, which will lead to their top-order having a slight adjustment. \u201cThe main lesson for our batters from the game against England is to take the innings deep and show more responsibility through the middle overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI thought our bowlers did a pretty decent job in the last match, and we expect them to deliver a similar performance tonight. There might be some assistance for the spinners, but you never really know what the surface will offer, so we felt bowling first was the right call,\u201d he said, amidst huge cheers from the crowd.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said Cole McConchie comes into the playing eleven in place of Jimmy Neesham. \u201cNice to be here. It\u2019s been a few days without a proper game - obviously we were up against the rain the other night and there\u2019s not much you can do about that - but we\u2019ve had some good training sessions and we\u2019re ready for this big match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe challenge will be taking on the Sri Lankan spinners. We\u2019ve been playing in India, so the conditions aren\u2019t unfamiliar, and it\u2019s been pleasing to see different guys step up at different times. That\u2019s all you can really ask for. The two at the top have done an outstanding job, and hopefully they can set the tone again.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe surface looks good, so the aim is to put up a strong score. That one change gives us a bit more spin in the middle order. It adds balance, but a lot will depend on the ground dimensions. I think whichever side is smarter in using the bigger side of the boundary will have a pretty good day,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Playing XIs:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe surface looks good, so the aim is to put up a strong score. That one change gives us a bit more spin in the middle order. It adds balance, but a lot will depend on the ground dimensions. I think whichever side is smarter in using the bigger side of the boundary will have a pretty good day,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dilshan Madushanka<\/p>\r\n\r\n