Confident Lankans take on Kiwis in second Twenty20 game

Elmo Rodrigopulle from New Zealand

CRICKET: The Twenty20 cricket circus will continue when New Zealand play Sri Lanka in the second game at the picturesque Eden Park, here tomorrow.

In the first game at the Jade Stadium in Wellington, Sri Lanka beat the Blackcaps by 18 runs when the Duckwort/Lewis system came into action after rain washed off play after the Blackcaps made 162 in their 20 and Sri Lanka 63 for one in 5.5 overs .

It will be a confident Lankan team that will front up to the Blackcaps, after their domination in the first game. The Lankans playing only their second Twenty20 accoustomed themselves well and did right the aspects required in this style of game. The weather here, like in Wellington is biting cold and it will affect the Lankans because they are not used to these conditions of play. But if they perform the excellent way they did in Wellington then should win this absurd two match series.

Like the Two Test series, there are only two Twenty20 games, and if the Blackcaps win this one, what is there to prove? This series too would be shared. One thing is that it is poor thinking.

With nothing to prove, one hopes that the Lankans would rest Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas. They are important for one-day internationals ahead. One failed to understand why they played in the first game.

The poor thinking by the selectors nearly led to serious injury to the off spinner.

Attempting a catch in the covers off a scorching drive from Stephen Fleming, he nearly had his fingers blown off. He was in pain All does not seem to be well in the Sri Lankan camp. That is because Tillekeratne Dilshan is not being given a game at least in the 20Twenties. He should have been played instead of Muralitheran. It is hoped that the selectors will give Dilshan a go in this game.

He is an allrounder. In addition to his batting and bowling, he is a brilliant fielder. And is not fielding what the shortened version game is all about? If Dilshan is not played in this game, then the chances of his playing in the one-day internationals are remote.

The Blackcaps, rested their frontliners and played some of their fringe players. Why the Lankans did not follow suit was inexplicable.

Once again the bowlers will have to do a repeat like they did in Wellington and restrict the Blackcaps and then allow Sanath Jayasuriya to explode with batting fireworks that had the Blackcaps helpless and the spectators enjoying the batting exhibition in amazement.

Another big crowd is expected and they would be hoping that Jayasuriya would oblige.

All members of the Sri Lankan team are fit and well and wicket keeper Prasanna Jayawardena has recovered well after his appendicitis operation.

A happy and peaceful Christmas to all our readers.

Eden Park, Auckland, Sunday