England favourites in first game against Kiwis:

Lankans can beat individually brilliant Windies

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE reporting

A win is a win no matter how it comes. The Sri Lankans can take heart from their ‘Super Over’ victory over New Zealand and kick off from there in their quest for the World Cup T20 title.

The Sri Lankans who seem to be exuding confidence after that win, will meet the rampaging West Indians in the second game of the Super Eight at 7.30 p.m. at the Pallekelle Stadium,today.

Jayewardene has stressed on his team mates that no game is won or lost till the final ball is bowled. And they showed this not letting up till the final ball was bowled in that’ Super Over’.

Winning combination

It is the norm for any team not to tinker but to always go in with the winning team. But Jayewardene thinks different and dares to go in with a team according to the dictates of the opposition, the wicket and the conditions. That is positive thinking. The Lankans must forget the first game and take the field against the West Indians with that second to none feeling.

The Lankans were given a rollicking start by openers Mahela Jayewardene in their chase.

It was inexplicable the run out of Kumar Sangakkara at a crucial moment in the game. Had it not been or that, Sri Lankans would have sauntered to victory because Sangakkara was looking threatening.

Middle order brittle

The middle order looked brittle. Batsmen of the caliber of Anjelo Mathews, Thisara Perera,Lahiru Thirimanne and Thisara Perea must bat with more purpose and build on the good work of the top three.

Of the bowlers, Nuwan Kulesekera and Akila Dhananjaya Perera impressed most.

Ajantha Mendis, apparently does not seem to have fully recovered from that back strain and was not bending his back as he usually does.

He bowled okay until that one bad over.

But what would have been of worry to the Lankan camp would have been their sloven ground fielding.

It was inexplicable considering that they are one if not the best fielding side in this tournament. But all that was forgiven with the victory.

Brilliant individuals

True the Windies pack a set of hard hitting batsmen. That is their forte. They are brilliant individuals. But their drawback is that they rarely perform as a team. This is where the Lankans must take advantage of. To dismiss Chris Gayle early would mean to break the strength of the Windies batting.

If allowed to break free he can be devastating. His partner Johnson Charles is brilliant and his innings of 84 against England was a treat.

The Windies rely heavily on spinner Sunil Narine. Narine if he drops into a length could worry the Lankan batsmen.

But the Lankan batsmen would not worry too much about him.

England -New Zealand

The two losers on Thursday, England and New Zealand will meet in a match that both teams will want to win to keep their chances alive in the tournament at 3.30 p.m.

England seemed to be making a match of it when Ale Hales and Eoin Morgan were doing their act with a century stand chasing West Indies 179 for 8. But with Hales’ dismissal went the reigning champion’s chances.On form, if England catch better they should win.