Sri Lanka vs Kenya today : Lanka look to tie loose ends

The 11-run loss to Pakistan notwithstanding, Sri Lanka will hope to hit the straps as they take on Kenya in a Group A match here at the R Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday. Both teams will have different targets in mind, coming into the match. The Sri Lankans will want to blast the opposition away and heal some of the wounds inflicted by Pakistan in the last match.

Kenya, on the other hand, have been dismal in their batting in the two games, managing just 69 against New Zealand and 112 against Pakistan. After such performances, the only way for the African nation is up. Pressure will be off the Kenyans as no one expects them to stand up to the Sri Lankans. But as a few ‘ weaker’ teams have shown in this World Cup, their bite is worse than their bark.

The weather predicted for this week in Colombo isn't too encouraging. Intermittent rain is predicted for the next five days and even Monday was cloudy, with Sri Lanka practicing at noon with the floodlights on. Group B has seen teams like the Netherlands and Ireland giving their higher ranked opponents some very tough times and that there hasn’t been an ‘ upset’ yet is a surprise.

Sri Lanka have a few issues to sort out. Their batting doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence, especially with Thilan Samaraweera in the middle. Their line- up is top- heavy, with Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jawyawardene and Kumar Sangakkara coming in at two, three and four.

Sri Lanka’s bowling too will be under the spotlight as the hosts have kept strike bowlers Lasith Malinga and Ajantha Mendis out till now. Malinga picked up a light back strain a few weeks back while trying to pick up a ball and the team management is giving him as much time as possible to recover.

But given that the after Tuesday’s match, Sri Lanka take on Australia, Malinga’s fitness for the business end of the tournament is crucial. Coach Trevor Bayliss said that more than the fast- bowlers, it could be the spinners over which the team management deliberates upon.

“ No one has mentioned yet about playing three spinners. I think it is a possibility before the World Cup is over,” he said on the eve of the match.

The coach also said that irrespective of whether Malinga is picked or not, he is happy with the way his bowlers have bowled so far. “ Malinga will be available for selection. We did miss him in the last match but Murali bowled well without picking wickets. Anyhow, we are comfortable with the 7- 4 combination.” Bayliss also made it clear that the loss in the previous game would stop any complacency from setting in against the Kenyans.

With one eye on the Australia match, the Sri Lanka coach was quietly confident of his team’s chances. “ Our guys are confident. We went there ( Australia) recently and beat them. But our first target now is the Kenya match.” Kenya captain Jimmy Kamande said that his team will look to play fearless cricket on Tuesday.

“ The pressure is on them. Especially after the loss to Pakistan, it’s a must win game for Sri Lanka. As for us, we will have to make a few changes as we can’t allow the same mistakes to be repeated,” Kamande said.

The wicket at the new R Premadasa Stadium is different from the ones used a few years ago in the way it holds up throughout the innings. Earlier, teams would bat first, post huge totals and see the opposition crumble at the same rate as the wicket under lights. Toss, therefore, has lost its significance as chasing under lights isn’t the nightmare it used to be.