New Zealand, beaten finalists in 2015, kick off their Cricket World Cup 2019 campaign today in Cardiff against the unfancied, yet unpredictable Sri Lanka. The game signals the start of a weekend of exciting matches, with cricket World Cup fever now in full flow. No matter where you are in the world you can watch the match by using our guide below to getting a New Zealand vs Sri Lanka live stream.
Currently 4th in the ICC Men's ODI team rankings, New Zealand have maintained much of the core of the team that impressed so much at the last World Cup, with Kane Williamson stepping in to replace Brendon McCullum in the captain role as the one major exception. In contrast, Sri Lanka are far from a picture of stability, with skipper Dimuth Karunaratne - their fourth captain in eight months - not having played a competitive ODI in two years.
The Lions' recent form appears to mirror the upset and upheaval behind the scenes, with Sri Lanka having lost 24 of their last 28 completed ODIs - with recent resounding losses to South Africa and Australia in the run up to the tournament.
New Zealand on the other hand notched up an impressive six wicket win over India but lost by 91 runs to an improving West Indies in their World Cup warm-ups.
Despite their blip against the Windies, many will be tipping the Black Caps to mirror their performance at the last World Cup and Saturday’s game offers an early chance for bowling duo Tim Southee and Trent Boult to shine and show the potential of their new-ball partnership.
The Kiwis may be favourites, but it would be wrong to disregard Sri Lanka’s enviable World Cup record. Players like Angelo Mathews - who will be keen to make a statement to selectors after being controversially ousted as captain - and the dependably dynamite fast bowler Lasith Malinga should ensure the match is not an easy opener for their more fancied opponents.
An intriguing game lies in store, and one you’ll be able to watch with ease from anywhere in the world if you follow our a New Zealand vs Sri Lanka live stream guide below.
Watch a Cricket World Cup 2019 live stream from outside your country
If you're in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, US or India and looking to find out how to watch the match, we've got all the details about the broadcaster in your region below.
If you're away from home country and looking to tune in you'll likely to find you won't be able to thanks to geo-blocking. Thankfully there's a way to alleviate that frustration. By using a VPN you'll be able to watch the game safely without having to take a chance on an illegal feed from a website that's likely infested with malware.
