Hosts Sri Lanka confident ahead of Pakistan clash – Cricket News Roundup – October 4, 2012 - Part 1
Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan in the first semi-final of the ongoing ICC World T20, following their respective progression from the Super Eight stage of the tournament.
Sri Lanka emerged top of their group, beating New Zealand (via Super Over), before outclassing the West Indies and defending champions England. Skipper, Mahela Jayawardene, said that he is extremely proud of the current group, and his hopeful of lifting the cup on their own backyard.
"We are still two games away from the title, but we're extremely proud to be a part of a group that has been consistent throughout these tournaments.”
Pakistan has also shown consistency, with their only loss coming against India. They too will be confident ahead of the clash, following their massive win against the inform Australians. They remain the only team to make the semi-final stage in all four T20 events.
Australian Head Coach, Mickey Arthur, has said that the team may recall David Hussey for the crucial World T20 game against West Indies due to his wealth of experience in the game’s shortest format.
Hussey has yet to feature in the tournament so far, but remains the highest run getter in T20 history, with 4670 runs. However, a poor showing at UAE last month forced the management to omit him from the starting XI, preferring the all-round abilities of Glenn Maxwell.
However, after their astonishing collapse against the Pakistani spinners, the Aussies are considering their options and are likely to bring the veteran batsman back in the side. “Dave's case is around the fact he is really experienced and he's done a fantastic job in Twenty20 cricket all around the world,” Arthur said.
South African limited-overs skipper, AB de Villiers, will not take part in the upcoming Champions League T20 after he suffered a double injury during his side’s World T20 campaign.
The Proteas have a tough schedule ahead, which sees them travelling Down Under in November to take on the Aussies. De Villiers, who picked up a lower back and ankle injury, will now miss the CLT20 campaign for his domestic side, the Titans, who are also missing the services of young pacer Marchant de Lange.
South Africans were knocked out of the ICC T20 competition after failing to register a win in their Super Eight stage.
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