ICC Champions Trophy 2013: Group A: England vs Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka Preview

It will be a do-or-die game for the Sri Lankans as they brace themselves for a must-win game against a confident English side at The Oval today. England, on the other hand, will be eyeing a semifinal spot, as a win here will guarantee them a spot in the last four. England are fresh from a convincing 48-run win over Australia in their last match, and will be looking to take advantage of their winning momentum. Sri Lanka are coming into this match after a heartbreaking loss against the Kiwis, when they almost defended 138 to lose it by just one wicket thanks to a few umpiring errors which proved to be very expensive.

It turned out to be different ball game altogether for the Sri Lankans in the last game, as their bowling, which seems to be their weaker link, stood up to the challenge, while their talented batting order failed miserably, barring Kumara Sangakkara. However, with Kusal Perera, T Dilshan and Kumara Sangakkara at the top, fans will be expecting a good start from them this time round. Mahela Jayawardene seems to have lost his touch for quite a while now, and has to pull his socks up to give his side any chance of advancing in the tournament. Dinesh Chandimal, Thisara Perera, Angelo Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne make their lower order look very formidable.

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack looked top-notch in the last game. Lasith Malinga and Rangana Herath looked magnificent, and will be looking to help Sri Lanka’s cause today as well. Skipper Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera didn’t bowl in the last game, but both can come in handy with their clever changes of pace today. Nuwan Kulasekara might replace Shaminda Eranga for the match in case he is fit to go.

Conditions:

The pitch here has been reasonably good for batting, but teams somehow could not manage to put up significant scores, barring India, who made the track look easy to bat on in the last game. It has some assist for the bowlers as well. It might turn out to be good wicket to play on, but scores over or near 300 seem unlikely here.

Key Players:

Kumara Sangakkara- With Mahela Jayawardene not in form, Sangakkara is the most dependable player in the side. He was the only batsman who performed in the last game with an useful 68, and will be expected to deliver today as well. He is the backbone of their batting order.

Lasith Malinga- This Sri Lankan ‘slinger’ is arguably the best death overs bowler in the world today. He is the only fast bowler who looked threatening in the last game and almost took Sri Lanka over the line. His ability to bowl some toe-crushing yorkers at the death makes him the captain’s delight.

Sri Lanka’s strategy:

They should look to bowl first upon winning the toss, especially considering the fact that the last two games here were won by the team batting second. India looked comfortable batting second in the last match here, and they should look to take a leaf out of their neighbour’s book today. Even though the track to be used will be a different one today, it shouldn’t change much.

Head to head:

The teams have met two times in the ICC Champions Trophy before, with England having won both games.

Probable XI:

They are likely to field the same XI today in case Nuwan Kulasekara is declared fit. Shaminda Eranga is likely to face the axe if Kulasekara plays.

Angelo Mathews (capt), Dinesh Chandimal (vice-capt), Tilakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera (wk), Kumara Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Thisara Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath/Sachithra Senanay and Nuwan Kulasekara/Shaminda Eranga.