Sri Lanka vs New Zealand – Match Preview – Only T20 International
Sri Lanka will take on New Zealand today in the only T20 International of the tour at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, with both the sides looking to gain a psychological edge ahead of the five-match One Day International
series, starting from Thursday.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 in the all-important
fixture at Colombo, finishing as runner-ups of the illustrious tournament for the second time.
The seasoned middle-order batsman resigned from T20 captaincy after the tournament, wanting to focus on the other two versions of the sport.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AD-Mathews-c913, the 25-year-old all-rounder, has been appointed as the new skipper and will start his tenure from today’s encounter. The talented cricketer has been given the job for one year and his performance will be reassessed after
that period.
Sri Lanka’s premier fast bowler, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KMDN-Kulasekara-c1802 will serve as
vice-captain in the only T20.
"We are giving Mathews a free hand to captain the T20 side for one year, after which we will review his performance," chief selector, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ashantha-Lakdasa-Francis-de-Mel-c46253, said while announcing Mathews appointment.
Jaywardene and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KC-Sangakkara-c1779 held the Sri Lankan team together in the previous decade, leading the youngsters towards the right direction. The Island’s cricket officials are now expecting the same from Mathews and Malinga, who have
established themselves as high-quality international players in recent years.
Sri Lanka’s captain in the other two formats, Jayawardene, is delighted with his side’s progress in international cricket, having done well on a number of global events since the last five years. The great batsman hopes that the youngsters
will carry on with the legacy.
"We are all really happy to be part of a very successful group over a period of time," Jayawardene expressed. "We have been blessed with four now - although I know we haven't won anything. But four finals, it's amazing. In one's career
you are lucky enough to play in one final.”
Mathews however, has a massive advantage, having the senior players to support him whenever required. The cricketer from Colombo has a point to prove today and would love to start with a comprehensive victory over the Black Caps.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Guptill-c1980 for the limited-over series,
resting him after a busy one year. The right-hander’s absence is going to weaken their top-order batting but provides a massive opportunity for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RJ-Nicol-c2331 to establish himself in international cricket.
However, the onus will be on the senior players, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BB-McCullum-c1129, to take the responsibility on their shoulders. All of them took part in the recently-concluded Champions League T20 2012.
These two teams met during the Super 8 stage of the World T20, with the hosts crossing the line in the Super Over. Hence, the fans can expect yet another thriller between the two fighting units. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 however, will have a slight advantage because of
the home conditions.
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