New Zealand will look to make the most of Sri Lanka’s batting struggles when the two sides meet in a crucial Super Eight clash of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka faltered in their previous game, failing to chase 147 against England on a slow surface in Pallekele. Batters found it difficult to score freely, and questionable shot selection cost them key wickets.
Batting coach Vikram Rathour admitted better options could have been taken, especially on a pitch where the ball was stopping and quick singles were risky.
«It’s a T20 game, so obviously you come into a game, so you are looking to score as many runs as you can. So when the ball is not coming on to the bat, it’s easier said than done,» Sri Lanka’s Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour reflected on the side’s poor poor performance.
«Are there better options? Yes, definitely could have been taken. I thought on a wicket where the ball is stopping, so pushing is not a great idea. A couple of our wickets lost out on guys pushing for a single. I don’t think that was a great option in these conditions,» he added.
Despite the setback, Sri Lanka have had positives. Pathum Nissanka has led the batting effort, while left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage and the pace attack have performed well with the ball.
New Zealand, on the other hand, come into the game after sharing points with Pakistan due to rain at the Premadasa. They will take confidence from the strong form of openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert during the league stage. Rachin Ravindra also found form with a timely fifty in his previous outing against Canada.
With rain unlikely this time, both teams will push hard for their first Super Eight win, knowing that another slip-up could seriously hurt their semi-final chances.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Predicted Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Squads:
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Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
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New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Cole McConchie.
