Charith Asalanka replaces Kamil Mishara as Sri Lanka opt to field; New Zealand bring in Cole McConchie for James Neesham

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Toss Update: Sri Lanka Choose to Bowl

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in a crucial Super Eight encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium. With a packed crowd and conditions favouring bowlers under lights, captain Dasun Shanaka opted to put the visitors in and chase later in the evening.

This fixture is a must-win for Sri Lanka after their opening Super Eight defeat to England. To keep their semi-final hopes alive, the hosts need victories in both remaining matches.

Team Changes and Key Selection Calls

Sri Lanka made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Charith Asalanka in place of Kamil Mishara. Asalanka’s inclusion strengthens the middle order, adding stability and experience in high-pressure situations.

New Zealand, meanwhile, are playing their first completed match of the Super Eight stage after their previous game against Pakistan was washed out. The visitors made a tactical adjustment by leaving out seam-bowling allrounder James Neesham and drafting in offspinner-batter Cole McConchie. The decision reflects expectations of assistance for spin on a dry Colombo surface.

Pitch and Conditions Report

The pitch at the Premadasa is dry and expected to offer grip for spinners as the match progresses. However, with the game being played under lights, early movement for seamers could also come into play. The conditions set up an intriguing battle between Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack and New Zealand’s balanced bowling unit.

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.

New Zealand Playing XI

Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.

With semi-final qualification on the line for Sri Lanka and New Zealand aiming to gain momentum, this high-stakes encounter promises intense competition in Colombo.