Prepare for do or die battle, says Kumar

Chris Dhambarage reporting from India

Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara warned his teammates to prepare for a do or die battle during the vital knock out stages of the 14 nation ICC 2011 Cricket World Cup tournament. Sri Lanka will take on New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai today in their last preliminary round fixture that will determine the final position in the group A and the outcome of the match will then decide their respective opponents in the knockout stage.

Sangakkara said they will not take New Zealand lightly in their group position deciding match although the Black Caps would be without their captain Daniel Vettori and experienced fast bowler Kyle Mills.

The Sri Lankan captain expressed his disappointment in the fact that the team will miss the crowd support for the first time having played all their group matches in Hambanthota, Colombo and Pallekele respectively.

Sangakkara however noted this could turn out to be an advantage for his team in one way as the players will not feel the pressure that much as they have experienced during the last couple of weeks.

The Sri Lankan captain believe that the dew factor will not have a great impact in this game as the situation will remain in good conditions for batting throughout the contest.

Meanwhile New Zealand’s acting captain Ross Taylor stated that it is disappointing to miss the services of Vettori and Mills but their absence gives an opportunity for someone else to step up and perform their role.

“We are looking at having Mills and Vettori fit for the quarterfinals. Their injuries have come along fine but they probably are not ready for this match. Luke Woodcock comes into the twelve. We have to discuss what balance we go in with, an extra bowler or an extra all-rounder.