Sri Lanka come into the match after a heavy defeat against India and at the backdrop of a controversial no-ball delivered by Suraj Randiv to deny Virender Sehwag a century. An internal probe by Sri Lanka Cricket and apologies followed that took the limelight off the loss. While Randiv is set to miss the match following a one-match ban, captain Kumar Sangakkara was quick to turn the focus back on cricket and address the issue.
“As professionals, whatever happens before games or after games, it’s immaterial when we go onto the field. There the focus is to win the game and try things out,” said Sangakkara.
For him, the bigger picture is to counter the New Zealand pace that did so well against India in their first match. Daryl Tuffey, Kyle Mills and Tim Southee started well against India before Mills carried on his excellent form against the hosts. However, it is their batting that is going to cause New Zealand concerns after the top-order failed in both matches with the other batsmen initiating the rescue work.
Scott Styris, BJ Watling and new captain Ross Taylor have done well too and are dependable enough to lead New Zealand’s charge against Sri Lankan bowling.
Sri Lanka’s main woes are their batting as well. Mahela Jayawardene has had a lean run and could use some runs against his name in the match that will pretty much narrow down the race to just two teams in contention for the final.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 19th, 2010.
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