Former England captain Michael Atherton has said that New Zealand played the perfect game in their win against Sri Lanka in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
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Speaking to Star Sports, Atherton said that was the perfect game for New Zealand. The Kiwis almost cemented their place in the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup after their win against Sri Lanka.
“That was the perfect game for New Zealand when you think about it. You couldn’t have asked for anything more tonight. Not only did they win, they won comfortably to up that net run rate, effectively sealing a semi-final place. I know we can’t quite say that yet,” said Atherton.
He went on to say that key players coming in form will be a huge positive for New Zealand. Trent Boult picked three wickets in the powerplay after struggling to pick wickets in the first 10 overs throughout the tournament.
“If you said two players, who have perhaps not been in peak form, that would be Trent Boult and Devon Conway. Trent Boult picked up powerplay wickets and then Devon Conway came out in the second innings and looked in pretty good touch. So key players finding some form before the semi-finals,” Atherton added.
Atherton said New Zealand look a better-balanced side with Lockie Ferguson in there. Ferguson has picked 10 wickets in six matches in the 2023 World Cup.
“I thought it looked a better-balanced side with Lockie Ferguson in there. They obviously took some punishment in the last game against Pakistan when Ish Sodhi played as a second spinner. They have been hurt with injuries. Ferguson is fit again tonight,” said Atherton.
New Zealand currently occupies the fourth spot in the World Cup points table, having won five of their nine matches in the group stage.