Australia v Sri Lanka – ICC World Cup 2011- Match preview
A highly anticipated encounter of the ICC World Cup 2011 is just hours away, as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, at the R. Premadasa
Stadium in Colombo.
The clash would undoubtedly be a treat for the fanatic cricketing fans. Both outfits will be geared up for the clash as the victor of tomorrow’s game would probably have done enough to cement his place in the quarter-finals, while the loser will still have
to prove something in the remaining games of the group stage.
Whilst Sri Lanka will be trying to prove their worth in the tournament after an 11-run defeat against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755, Australia would go into the game eying the top place on the points table, which is currently occupied by the unpredictable Cornered Tigers.
The Kangaroo pace attack is at full steam ahead and if overcast conditions prevail in Colombo on Saturday, it will be a treat for Brett Lee and company. All three pace guns of Australia, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, and, Mitchell Johnson, have put their demolishing
shoes on and must be geared up to scythe through the Sri Lankan line-up after ripping the heart out of low-ranked, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 outfit.
The good news for the Asian giants is that Malinga is back with a bang after missing his side’s opening two games of the World Cup. The pacer single handedly destroyed http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kenya-c752’s line-up with a brutal spell of six for 38 from eight overs – his career best figures.
The 27-year old right-arm pacer would definitely give Sri Lanka a much needed boost.
The spin department would be a cause of concern for the Lankans as they have not yet performed to the level they were expected. Epecially, the magical Muttiah Muralitharan, who was expected to do something remarkable, has not yet been able to make a difference.
If the Lankans are to regain their pride, their three M’s – Murali, Malinga and Mendis - would have to perform, as the Premadasa wicket supports their bowling style.
Sri Lanka’s batting also looked out of flair against Pakistan and that might have been due to the pressure of the home crowd. But this time the top order as well as the middle order would have to keep the nerves intact and perform well.
Skipper, Kumar Samgakkara, and his deputy, Mahela Jayawardene, would be key batsmen for the home side, but Tillakaratne Dilshan would have to take the pressure of the new ball away from the combo.
The hosts are expected to stick to the same playing XI that played against Kenya, barring injury or illness.
It is quite difficult to pick who will win, as both are quite experienced teams with strong batting and bowling brigades and above all both are desperate for points.
Teams:
Sri Lanka: Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (capt/wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Chamara Silva, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Muttiah-Muralitharan-c78157.
Australia: Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120, David Hussey, Cameron White, Steve Smith, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, Shaun Tait.
Tags: