World Cup 2019: Key players for NZ-SL and Aus-Afg encounters

 

On day three of the World Cup, two matches will be played with New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka at the Sophia Gardens at Cardiff followed by Australia and Afghanistan at Country Ground in Bristol. 

Indomitable in position, a good power-show will be visible in both of the matches.

Following are the key players for today’s games:

Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Kane Williamson's prudence and experience make him a standout amongst cricket's most regarded captains. The top-order player oozes quiet at the wrinkle and much of the time puts on power-hitting knocks before carefully organising his field and bowling line-ups to defend low totals on board. 

 Averaging a decent 45.90 in 139 ODI matches, with 11 hundreds and 37 fifties, the Kiwi skipper is force to be reckoned with. 

Tom Blundell (New Zealand)

Tom Blundell’s inclusion in the Kiwis’ squad was an unexpected consideration despite not playing a single one-day international. 

Having scored a century on his Test debut, Blundell announced himself in the ODI format after scoring 106 and 77 against West Indies and Australia respectively in the World Cup warm-up matches.

Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

Lasith Malinga may well have had his day having driven Sri Lanka to the 2014 World T20, the bowler still has what it takes to deliver fro Sri Lanka. 

In April, he razed Chennai Super Kings with his 4-37 and then took Mumbai Indians to the Indian Premier League title a month later. A lethal bowler with 322 wickets in 218 ODIs and a bowling best of 6-38, Malinga will be looking to mark this World Cup. 

Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka) 

One of Sri Lanka's most noteworthy players, Angelo Mathews ODI career of 204 matches has largely depended on his ability to be consistent for Sri Lanka.

The former skipper has fetched 37 needed-fifties and two centuries in his ODI career till date. Not only batting, but he has also played his role decently as a right-arm medium fast bowler, picking up 114 wickets with a best of 6-20.

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Rashid Khan, 20, has positioned himself as a standout amongst the best bowlers in the world. 

His impressive leg break-turn bowling can even blow away the best of the batsman. With 125 wickets in 59 ODI matches and best of 7-18, Khan is someone to look out for.

Mitchell Starc (Australia)

An exception bowler, Mitchell Starc's quality and the consistency makes him Australia's lethal weapon. 

The hot-pace bowler's great batting style will likewise be an addition for adding to Australia. Starc has taken 145 wickets in 75 matches with an economy of 4.95. His pace is expected to haunt the batting line of the opponents.

David Warner (Australia)

With his consistent perfromances, opener David Warner will be looking to continue his IPL run in the World Cup. 

Warner has 14 centuries and 17 half-centuries from 106 ODI matches with more expected to come from him during this year's mega event.