Kamal Ghorui
T20 World Cup: Schedule | Points table
The hosts failed to chase 147 against England on a slow surface in Pallekele. Batting conditions in Sri Lanka have been more demanding compared to co-hosts India, and the pattern is expected to continue at the Premadasa Stadium, where larger boundaries limit six-hitting.
Shot selection came under focus after the loss in the Super Eight opener, and Sri Lanka will look to correct those errors.
“It’s a T20 game, so obviously you come into a game, so you are looking to score as many runs as you can. So when the ball is not coming on to the bat, it’s easier said than done,” Sri Lanka’s batting coach Vikram Rathour reflected on the side’s poor poor performance.
“Are there better options? Yes, definitely could have been taken. I thought on a wicket where the ball is stopping, so pushing is not a great idea. A couple of our wickets lost out on guys pushing for a single. I don’t think that was a great option in these conditions,” he added.
Pathum Nissanka has led the batting effort so far, while left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage has performed with the ball. The fast bowlers have also delivered in the tournament.
New Zealand shared a point with Pakistan after their match at Premadasa was washed out. They have spin options, including captain Mitchell Santner.
With no rain forecast, both teams will aim for their first win in the Super Eight stage.
New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert were in form during the league phase and will look to continue that run.
Rachin Ravindra is also expected to contribute after scoring a fifty in his previous innings against Canada.
