Champions Trophy: New Zealand gear up for spin trial

High-flying Kiwis to face Sri Lanka in Group A match today.

CARDIFF:

New Zealand are preparing to face a spin barrage from Sri Lanka when the two sides meet in Cardiff today.

New Zealand go into the tournament after a morale-boosting 2-1 One-Day International (ODI) series win over hosts England, but Brendon McCullum’s side know Sri Lanka will throw up new challenges.

“We could conceivably be facing 30-35 overs of spin,” said Black Caps coach Mike Hesson ahead of the Group A game. “We need to be proactive against it.”

Spin test as well as Lasith Malinga threat

Sri Lanka’s spin attack includes four capable tweakers in Sachitra Senanayake, Jeevan Mendis, Rangana Herath and Tillakaratne Dilshan. Unorthodox slow-bowler Ajantha Mendis was not picked for the tournament.

With sling-arm fast-bowler Lasith Malinga and steady seamer Nuwan Kulasekara also in the ranks, Sri Lanka have their options covered for what are expected to be good batting conditions in Cardiff.

With Australia and England the other two teams in their group, both New Zealand and Sri Lanka know a victory in the first match assumes greater significance.



Two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, making it almost mandatory to win at least two of the three games to make the grade.

“It’s as close to a knock-out competition as you can get,” added Hesson. “We are certainly not thinking two weeks ahead.”

Mathews aiming for good start

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews, leading his country for the first time in a major competition, agreed that winning the first fixture was important.

“You would want to win every game you play, but in a format like this it is important to get a good start,” said Mathews.

Sri Lanka have not enjoyed a good run in the Champions Trophy, failing to make the finals of the last three editions, even though they were joint-winners with India at home in Colombo 2002. Their record in recent ICC events has been impressive but defeat in four finals has raised doubts over their ability to finish off a tournament in style.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2013.