England take on Sri Lanka in the first semi final of the T20 World Cup in Saint Lucia on May 13. The two teams have made their way into the final four in contrasting fashion. England has been one of the best performing teams of the tournament, winning all their matches. The first match was an exception because of poor weather conditions. The English team made the West Indies chase 60 from six overs instead of the 192 runs scored by the English in the allotted 20 overs.
Nonetheless, the English side has a fresh new look to the side this time round. In recent history, England's dependence on Andrew Flintoff especially in the limited overs format has come to an end. Even though they are the ones that started T20 cricket in their domestic circuit, England have just not been able to catch up with the rest of the nations when it came to adaptability.
However, the inclusion of some new faces like Eoin Morgan, Kieswetter, and Michael Lumb has made the team look well equipped to handle the shortest format of the game. The captaincy of Paul Collingwood has been impressive to say the least. The all-rounder has been proactive then reactive when it comes to making decisions on his feet. England has not been a force to reckon with when it comes to the big tournaments in recent times.
Although they did manage to make it to three world cup finals in the past, their last one being the 1992 final which they lost to Pakistan, their form has been disappointing. Since then, the English are yet to make it to the semi finals in the 50 over format or the 20 over game. Essentially, this opportunity is a big chance for England to put things right and go all the way to win the World Cup. With their current form, and the team at their disposal, it would not be entirely wrong to bet on the English side.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka has an abundance of talent, from the openers until the 12th man. Players like Jayewardene, who has brought orthodox batting to the front in T20 cricket has proven that if the technique is correct, it does not matter which format you are playing in. Dilshan, who took the world by storm in the last edition of the T20 World Cup, has just not been in prime form.
Captain Kumara Sangakara is a great tactician apart from being an excellent free flowing batsman, and even though they were dealt a heavy blow after their first match of the world cup, when Muttiah Muralitharan their most potent weapon was on a plane home following an injury, the bowling attack of the Lankans has been more then impressive. The Slinga Malinga has been at his aggressive best with the old ball, while Perera and Thushara have been impressive with their opening spells.
The manner in which Sri Lanka qualified for the semi final was a big morale booster for the team. If the Lankans carry the momentum forward, it will be an enthralling contest for a place in the final.
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