Over the course of the qarterfinals, we learned the futility of predictions, especially when it came to that incredible game at Dhaka. I'm bloody proud of what the Black Caps achieved on Friday, and for a while I wasn't too bothered over the outcome of today's semifinal given that we have exceeded expectations. But today I keep getting reminded that we are one game away from a World Cup seminfinal, so I am no more relaxed about this game than Friday's. I will still be disappointed if we lose.
From a NZ perspective, Sri Lanka are probably the toughest side to beat at home. The league phase game against the Lankans pretty much went the way of most SL-NZ fixtures in the subcontinent since 2000. As a few have pointed out, New Zealand's chances lie in being able to get their top-order and lower order to deliver simultaneously a la the Pakistan game and back that up with a tight bowling effort. But that still may not be enough; they have to keep Lanka's big guns in check. If Murali plays, his questionable fitness will be something they'll simply have to try to take advantage of. As for the rest - Sangakkara, Jayawardene, Malinga and two openers coming off a 231 run unbroken stand....good luck, guys.
For previews, I'm linking Dave, as well as JRod's great analyses of New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Top Cricket From The Second Tier
13 years ago
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