http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 World T20 – Match Preview
After winning their respective opening encounters against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 will compete for the top spot in Group C when they meet today, September 22, 2012, at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota.
Having qualified for the Super Eight, the big encounter in Group C holds lesser significance then a neutral cricket fan would have hoped for. That further creates a fair argument over the handling of the fixture list, where matches of such magnitude, wise to mention the upcoming India-England game, have become meaningless so early in the tournament.
Nonetheless, the quality in both ranks will ensure that the match offers the apparent thrills of a T20 game, and being the home team, Sri Lanka are expected to step up and treat their fans to some early taste of what they intend to achieve in a couple of weeks.
Their opening tussle against Zimbabwe definitely went to plan, as their massive 82-run win rode on some impressive all-round displays. While their batting line-up was always seen as their strength, justified by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KC-Sangakkara-c1779’s impressive outings, it was the performance of their bowling department which would have pleased the management a whole lot more.
In a time where they have struggled to find a suitable replacement for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AD-Mathews-c913 and Thisara Perera all in top form.
A win today will certainly offer plenty of encouragement to even those fans, who were forced into submission over the team’s fortunes since the retirement of Murali.
One does not expect any changes to the line-up from their match against Zimbabwe, despite talks that they are looking to add young spinner Akila Dananjaya. If that move is to materialize, they would either rest a front-line bowler in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KMDN-Kulasekara-c1802 or take out an all-rounder, with Perara’s position remaining under threat owing to the emergence of Jeevan Mendis.
However, they will have their work cut out coming up against South Africa after they too defeated the Rhodesians by a comprehensive 10-wicket margin. With nothing at stake, South Africa will still look to make a strong statement and this game gives them a perfect chance.
They will be under no pressure, which remains beneficial considering the fact that they have struggled in major tournaments when the going gets tough. Getting a heads up against a strong opposition, and playing quality spinners in a futile match will certainly give them excellent practice ahead of some difficult battles.
Their recent victory was built on some towering bowling performances from the seamers, and the forthcoming clash further offers the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RJ-Peterson-c2332 to prove their mettle and get accustomed to the pitches.
No change is necessary given the fact that only http://www.senore.com/Cricket/HM-Amla-c1557 had the chance to bat. They however, will be hoping that their batters spend some time on the crease as it will ease them out for the remaining encounters.
The pitch has offered something for both, bowlers and batters, and one feels a score in the region of 160 to be competitive. Weather however, could affect the proceedings. Nonetheless, one expects an electrifying atmosphere at the ground as the home team lock horns with a formidable Proteas unit.
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