Cricket: New Zealand keen to erase bitter memories

Face hosts Sri Lanka in one-off Twenty20 today.


Afp October 29, 2012

PALLEKELE: New Zealand will be determined to erase bitter memories of the Pallekele ground when they clash with Sri Lanka in a one-off Twenty20 international today.

The Black Caps’ campaign in the recent World T20 ended at the same venue when they lost all their three Super Eights matches, including two in the tie-break Super Over.

However, New Zealand return to the Pallekele stadium this time without key players Daniel Vettori and Martin Guptill.

The experienced Vettori is missing the tour due to an injury, while opener Guptill has been rested for the limited-overs contests and will feature only in the Tests.

But New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram said the tourists had the resources to do well.

“If we play well we are confident that we can win,” said Oram ahead of the match. “We do appreciate that Sri Lanka are a very good side at home and more than a match for us at times, but we have enough talent. We’ve got to make sure the talent comes out at the right time.”

Sri Lanka selectors have decided to rest Mahela Jayawardene along with paceman Lasith Malinga, but the former will return to lead the side in the One-Day Internationals.

“Their absence from the team is a big loss but with the squad I have been given, I am confident we can win,” said captain Angelo Mathews.

Sri Lanka and New Zealand have so far played 10 T20 internationals, with each side winning five.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2012.

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