Two grief-stricken, militancy attack survivor nations, New Zealand and Sri Lanka are playing their world cup opener in Cardiff on Saturday (June 1).

While these two teams may not be on the top of anyone's favourites list, they have three finals and three semi-finals between them in the last four editions.

Sri Lanka was the finalists in 2007 and 2011, and semi-finalists in 2003. New Zealand made it to the finals last time.




New Zealand has won the toss and chose to field. As expected, Tim Southee is not playing. Henry Nicholls is injured as well. Santner is the only spinner in the black cap side.
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (capt), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wk), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Perera (wk), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga.