Aug. 12: New Zealand could not have written themselves a better opening script in this ongoing triseries, but Sri Lanka are a tough proposition at home, which the Kiwis know well. Their practice sessions over the last few days were at full throttle and the preparation paid off with the 200-run win over India in the opener on Tuesday.
The Black Caps will now be looking to keep the good work going in their second game here on Friday. With a positive Net Run Rate of +4, a win over the hosts will virtually seal the Kiwis a spot in the final, but skipper Ross Taylor was not ready to look that far ahead.
“I don’t want to get carried away. It was one victory where the team played well. Sri Lanka are a tough side and we have to come out with the same attitude and intent in this next game. If we can continue to do that, we will give ourselves a good chance,” said Taylor.
New Zealand have a few injury concerns ahead of their crucial tie. Jacob Oram is carrying a niggle to his right hamstring while B.J. Watling is down with an upset stomach. A final call on both will be taken on the morning of the match.
Sri Lanka though have no such worries as Kumar Sangakkara confirmed the entire squad was available for selection. The match is to be played on the same track as the one the Indians faltered on.
There was not much of swing under lights though there was a bit of nip, but a lot will depend on how New Zealand cope with the pace and swing of Lasith Malinga. New Zealand made the most of the conditions here on Tuesday and will hope nothing changes as they try to improve their record against Sri Lanka. In 17 away games the Kiwis have won only five times. The Lankans though, are wary.
“They are not to be taken lightly,” said captain Sangakkara. This is the first tournament New Zealand are playing after high performance manager, Roger Mortimer took over full time. Taylor said inputs from Mortimer had added a lot to the group and credit should go to him for the success the team has had in the recent past. Sri Lanka will bank on their strong top-order and the thrust opener Tillakaratne Dilshan provides. The toss could be vital again as the hosts also have the services of two attacking spinners in Suraj Randiv and Ajantha Mendis.