T20 World Cup: SL v NZ Preview: Battle for two points as Kiwis and Lions aim to pull away in the group

Group 1 has seen various encounters being marred by rain and two points will go a long way towards sealing a berth in the semis for these two sides.

The winner of the Group 1 clash on Saturday at the Sydney Cricket Ground could build a bit of a gap from the other candidates, with rain interruptions and abandonments leaving all the sides jostling for vital points. New Zealand could move up to 5 points and become the clear leader in the group, while Sri Lanka could also become the leader of the group with a win.

The importance of the contest was not lost on Tim Southee, who described Sri Lanka as a 'dangerous side', especially with the battery of spinners at their disposal. 

Speaking at the pre-match conference, the pacer stated, "We know Sri Lanka is a dangerous side. They always pose a big threat, and spin has been a massive part of their game and a strength of theirs.

"Yeah, unsure how this wicket will play. Our guys have faced plenty of spin and plenty of good spinners over the years, as well, so yeah, should be a good game." 

Despite a comprehensive win in the first game, New Zealand are likely to make a change with batter Daryl Mitchell back fit and firing. He is expected to replace Mark Chapman in the XI, who Southee described as 'unlucky'. 

"It's unlucky, I guess, for Mark Chapman, who hasn't really done anything wrong, but I think the way that Daryl... he's a valuable member of the side and he's done well for us, so yeah, now that he's fit and ready, he just comes back in. He'll slot back in there." 

Sri Lanka on the other hand have been ravaged by injuries in the pace department, with Binura Fernando becoming the latest bowler to go down during the defeat against Australia. Kasun Rajitha is likely to slot in the bowling unit, though assistant coach Naveed Nawaz was coy on the combination heading into the contest. 

"We haven't made a decision on that as yet," he stated when quipped about Rajitha slotting into the playing XI. 

Though New Zealand won their previous encounter against Australia before rain abandoned their clash against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka were dealt a defeat in Perth against Aaron Finch's men, Nawaz is backing his side to come good, especially in Sydney. 

"I think Sydney is a very favourable venue for Sri Lanka. It has been throughout the years, and we are looking forward to this game against New Zealand," he concluded. 

Possible XI's:
New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson 

Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Thekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha

Key Players
Tim Southee: The pacer was at his best in New Zealand's opening game at the same venue, ending up with figures of 3/6 in 2.1 overs against Australia. Getting swing and seam movement up front, Southee caused a lot of trouble for the Australian batter. New Zealand will again pin their hopes on Southee to replicate a similar performance at the same venue and hope that the veteran pacer rocks the Sri Lankan top-order up front at the SCG.