Sri Lanka, New Zealand play the ‘other’ semi today

Murali doubtdul, Vettori eyes chance ‘to go one better’.

COLOMBO:

Sri Lanka’s record-breaking off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is a doubtful starter for the first semi-final against New Zealand after struggling to shake off a hamstring injury that he picked up against the same opposition in the group stages, and a knee problem, that he developed in the quarter-final against England.

Captain Kumar Sangakkara admitted that even a half-fit Muralitharan could be risked for the semi-final.

“Murali and everyone is trying to get him fit, it’s no use saving him for other games,” said Sangakkara. “This is the crunch game and if he plays that’ll be great for us, but if that doesn’t work out for us, we’ve got enough cover.”

Sangakkara hoped his players fulfill the expectations of the home fans.

“The expectations are always there, that’s not something we can control. What we really want to do is to make sure that when we go out, we concentrate on what we have to do.”

The left-hander also hailed Daniel Vettori whose tactical approach proved crucial in their quarter-final win over South Africa.

“Dan’s a great captain. He’s been around for a long time and he understands these conditions so they’re going to be formidable.”

New Zealand attempt to make history

New Zealand’s motivation for a place in the final will not be lacking as they have failed to go beyond the semi-finals in five previous attempts.

Captain Vettori believes a lack of consistency was the reason for the failures.

“It’s our big chance in the semi-finals to go one better,” said Vettori. “I think the reputation we have is that we can beat any team on a given day. I think we need to move on quickly from the South Africa game because Sri Lanka is a different prospect.”

He brushed aside criticism of New Zealand not being capable of reaching the final.

“We’re proud of our achievement. I look at the positives of making the semi-finals. I think it’s amazing for a small country.”

Wright backs team’s belligerence

New Zealand coach John Wright has praised his team’s aggressive approach ahead of the semi-final.

Wright brushed aside criticism of New Zealand’s conduct in its shock quarter-final win over South Africa, when several players clashed with Proteas batsman Faf du Plessis.

“I liked the aggression of the team,” said Wright. “They were very aggressive. I think that’s important.”

However, Wright was more concerned by his side’s batting performance.

“We have to bat well, that’s the key for us,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2011.