Lankans, Kiwis meet in 'quarterfinal' today

Sri Lanka players enjoy a light moment during their training at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday. Photo: Anurup Kanti Das

Truth be told, Sri Lanka probably did not expect to find themselves in a do-or-die contest this early in the competition. Coming into the tournament, they had a 10-match unbeaten run and then edged past their closest contenders in the group, South Africa. Their thumping win over the Netherlands, which saw them bowl the latter out for a record 39, re-affirmed their power in the group.
It needed something special to stop them and it came in the form of Alex Hales, whose game-changing century not only gave England the game, but changed the dynamics of the group.
While the Lions are no doubt favourites in this virtual quarterfinal against New Zealand, they very well know that a small slip-up will be enough for Brendon McCullum and co to bring their World Cup hopes to an unexpected end.
Lasith Malinga, who will be captain in place of Dinesh Chandimal -- banned due to slow-over rate -- however, preferred not to think too much into the game and merely stick to the basics.
"We are not thinking much about the past. We are looking forward to further improve. All we need to do is stick to our skills and put in our hundred per cent in the game. That will be our main plan. It's T20 cricket and one or two overs can change the game, that's how it goes," said Malinga.
The T20 specialist also reckons that captaincy won't affect his performance.
"I don't really think about my captaincy. Just need to win the game on Monday. We have experienced captains in Mahela, Kumar, Dilshan and Angelo. They will provide good support," he said, adding that slow left-armer Rangana Herath had a good chance to play his first game today.
New Zealand, who are yet to beat a big side in the group in a complete 20-over game, had optional practice yesterday and seemed calm in their perennial roles as underdogs.
"I think the nature of the T20 is that if one or two players step up anything can happen. We have the personnel to be able to win this. Having said that Sri Lanka have played good cricket throughout the tournament, but we are confident," said Kane Williamson.
The way the World T20 has panned out thus far, Williamson reckons that a single over could well decide the fate of a game.
"If you are chasing a big total, naturally you want to be on a par with the run-rate. You need to target the bowler depending on the runs that you have to make. We have seen it in a few games now, where the bowlers went for 20-25 in an over and that certainly changes the course of the match," said Williamson.
At the end of the day, the decider might well come down to a contest between Malinga's slinging yorkers versus McCullum's hits. With the head-to-head records tied at five wins per side, the Chittagong-leg of the ICC World T20 will come to an end today with arguably the most intense game of the group so far.