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| October 20, 2006 | Friday | Ramazan 26, 1427 |
Sri Lanka take on Kiwis in do-or-die battle
MUMBAI, Oct 19: Sri Lanka can't wait to take the field in Friday's key Champions Trophy match against New Zealand, a game they must win to stay in the tournament.
The four-wicket loss to Pakistan in Jaipur on Tuesday means Sri Lanka must win both their remaining Group B matches against the Kiwis and South Africa to qualify for the semi-finals.
The crunch situation has excited captain Mahela Jayawardene, who said on Thursday that his team was geared for the day/night international at the Brabourne Stadium.
“It's like playing two semi-finals,” he said. “We know we have to give our best shot. We have nothing to lose. We look forward to enjoying the match.
“I have faith in my team, it is capable of doing well under pressure just as it has done in the past.”
Sri Lanka's 10-match winning streak, which included three successive victories in the Champions Trophy qualifiers, was broken by a highly-depleted, but inspired Pakistan in Jaipur.
Pakistan were not only without banned captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, but also had to play without pace spearheads Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif who were recalled home following positive drugs tests.
Sri Lankan coach Tom Moody, however, said the loss will not ruin the momentum gained by his team over the last five months.
“I do not forsee major changes in the team,” said Moody, a two-time World Cup winner as a player with Australia in 1987 and 1999.
“When nothing is broken, there is nothing to fix. Maybe it was not the right time for a reality check but it was a hiccup that will be addressed.
“New Zealand have always been tough opponents, but we are also a side that has done well in the recent past.”
New Zealand, who stunned world number two South Africa in their first match here on Monday, were sweating over the fitness of pace bowler Shane Bond and all-rounder Scott Styris.The injury-prone Bond missed the previous game after suffering a stiff back during a practice match. Styris also sat out with a hamstring niggle.
With rookie fast bowler Mark Gillespie laid low by a stomach bug, the Black Caps are down to 11 fit players on the eve of the match.
Captain Stephen Fleming said both Bond and Styris will undergo fitness tests on Thursday and Friday morning before the playing 11 was decided.
“Injuries have been a cause of worry but we are confident after beating South Africa and look forward to another good game against Sri Lanka,” said Fleming.
“A win will bring us closer to the semi-finals, but we are here to win every game and go all the way in the tournament.
“We have not been very consistent in our play and that is one area we are looking to improve.”
Left-handed Fleming set up the victory over South Africa with a defiant 89 on a turning wicket and hopes to continue in the same vein.
“I suppose one has to be a bit circumspect while batting on these wickets,” he said. “It will always be an advantage to bat first and put up a good score.”
New Zealand's final league match will be against Pakistan in Mohali on Wednesday.—AFP
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