New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Highlights, World Cup 2023: Black Caps virtually through to semis after five-wicket win

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka LIVE Score and Updates, World Cup 2023: New Zealand opted to bowl first after winning the toss against Sri Lanka in their final 2023 World Cup group game which is being played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. One of the major reasons for New Zealand to bat second on a batting-friendly is the threat of rain impacting the game. This way New Zealand will have an advantage batting second. A victory for New Zealand on Thursday is almost a must as they are in a three-way battle with Pakistan and Afghanistan for the fourth and last remaining semi-final spot. If New Zealand lose on Thursday they will be mostly out unless Pakistan and Afghanistan also suffer defeats. If the match gets abandoned and New Zealand get one point then also their elimination will be almost certain as they can only reach nine points, while Pakistan and Afghanistan have an opportunity to get to 10 points. If New Zealand win then they will be favourite to go to the semi-final as they have better NRR than Pakistan and Afghanistan. Coming to the lineup. New Zealand have brought in pacer Lockie Ferguson for Ish Sodhi, while Sri Lanka have brought in Chamika Karunaratne for Kasun Rajitha. Sri Lanka will also be aiming for a win even if they are already eliminated as two points can help them finish in the top eight which is needed to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Sri Lanka playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka New Zealand playing XI: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson(c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham(w), Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson