NEW ZEALAND

Captain: Ross Taylor

Coach: Mike Hesson

It is tough to be positive about a team that lies eighth in both the Test and one-day rankings. New Zealand have slipped badly in recent years, but the Black Caps now get a chance to show they belong among cricket's elite.

Ross Taylor's side will be glad to have the influential Daniel Vettori back in the side after recovering from a nagging groin injury. The former captain not only adds the necessary experience at the top level but remains one of the most potent let-arm spinners in the game and a reliable batsman down the order.

Brendon McCullum is the go-to man for the Kiwis, capable of destroying any bowling attack on his day. Taylor, Martin Guptill, Jacob Oram and James Franklin are others who New Zealand will bank on to deliver. The Black Caps are known to rise to the big occasion, after shocking favourites South Africa in the quarter-finals of last year's 50-over World Cup. Their fans will be looking for an encore in Sri Lanka.

New Zealand squad: Ross Taylor (capt), Martin Guptill, Rob Nicol, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, BJ Watling, James Franklin, Jacob Oram, Nathan McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Ronnie Hira, Adam Milne.

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