Friday's World Cup double-header gets underway with New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka at Cardiff.
Blackcaps wicketkeeper Tom Latham has returned to training and is expected to return from a finger injury
Play from Sofia Gardens gets underway at 1:30 pm UAE time.
Five-time World Cup winners Australia also get their 2019 campaign underway.
They take on Afghanistan at Bristol in their tournament opener.
The first ball of that match will be bowled at 4:30 pm UAE time.
Dave Rennie becomes first Pacific Islander to lead All Blacks
Dave Rennie was named as replacement for Scott Robertson as coach of the All Blacks on Wednesday and charged with taking New Zealand to a fourth World Cup triumph in Australia next year.
FIFA offering $12 tickets to World Cup Play-Off Tournament
Tickets for this month's World Cup Play-Off Tournament matches in Mexico, which will determine two of the final six vacant spots in this summer's historic 48-team tournament, went on sale Tuesday.
Resurgent Wolves stun Liverpool, Everton enjoy home comfort
Resurgent bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers have stunned Liverpool with a last-gasp 2-1 win at a rocking Molineux on Tuesday to offer a glimpse of a miraculous escape from relegation while putting a big dent in the top-five hopes of Arne Slot's side.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo to miss World Cup for Brazil
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has a ruptured ACL and meniscus in his right knee, likely keeping him out of this summer's World Cup for his native Brazil.
Getafe stuns Real Madrid to shake up LaLiga title race
Martin Satriano's superb first-half volley earned Getafe a shock 1-0 victory at Real Madrid in LaLiga on Monday, a result that left leaders Barcelona four points clear at the top of the standings.
