ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 NZ vs SL match prediction: Who will win today's match?

The third match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 will have New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka at Cardiff in the first of the two matches on Saturday. While the Blackcaps will be entering the fray as the hot favourites, the Lankans will be itching to put on a fighting show and start their campaign on high. Here's our prediction for the match:

Reviewing New Zealand

Led by Kane Williamson, New Zealand have been one of the more consistent ODI units over the past few years. Thanks to some commendable performances on a regular basis, the Kiwis come as strong competitorsat the marquee event.

With the likes of Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson and Colin Munro studded in the wings, the batting department looks pretty solid. The bowling too, led by the deadly duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult, has the potency to destroy any opposition in seam-friendly conditions of England.

Despite losing to West Indies in their second warm-up game, the Blackcaps will draw a lot of confidence from their thumping victory against India in their first warm-up match of the tournament.

Reviewing Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka enter the tournament as underdogs. Being hammered in their last few series, across different formats, the Islanders are likely to be low on confidence in their first encounter on Saturday. However, a spirited show to prove the odds wrong might do a world of good to their fans.

Led by Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka's batting possesses some firepower in the form of KusalPerera, KusalMendis and Angelo Mathews. The bowling pack, spearheaded by the wily Lasith Malinga, consists of Nuwan Pradeep, SurangaLakmal and IsuruUdana to constitute a decent list. All-rounder ThisaraPerera is expected to play a crucial role as always.

After being thumped by South Africa and Australia in their warm-up games, Sri Lanka will be hoping for a quick turnaround to kickstart their World Cup campaign. Their first challenge though doesn't come as an easy one.

Who will win today's match?

Comparing the two sides on paper, it is New Zealand who stand superior. The Kiwis seem to be in a well-oiled state and expect them to beat Sri Lanka at Cardiff on Saturday.