Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (AP Photo) The Super 8 campaign in Sri Lanka is teetering on the edge. If their batting doesn’t regain conviction, it could unravel very quickly against a determined and skilled New Zealand in Colombo on Wednesday. Slow bowling and slow tracks have been bedbugs for Sri Lanka for some time, exemplified by their failure to chase down a modest 147 against England in Pallekele two days ago. Sri Lanka batted as if only intent could overcome the surface. Instead, the inning dissolved in a series of soft layoffs.
T20 World Cup: Shaheen Shah Afridi Press Conference after England vs Pakistan
The challenge won’t be any kinder in Colombo. The bigger boundary and surface of the R Premadasa Stadium calls for smart cricket. Yet too often Sri Lanka seem caught between forcing pace and freezing against it. Sri Lanka batting coach Vikram Rathour acknowledged miscalculations against England. “It’s a T20 game, so obviously you go into the game wanting to score as many runs as possible. So if the ball doesn’t hit the bat, it’s easier said than done,” Rathour said, adding: “Are there better options for us? Yes, for sure. A couple of our wickets were lost because guys were pushing for singles. I don’t think it was a great option in these conditions.”There were some positives. Opener Pathum Nissanka offered peace at the top. Dunith Wellalage’s left arm spin provided control. The seamstresses competed. But these scraps mean little if their batters don’t light up.New Zealand, meanwhile, will arrive equipped to exploit Sri Lanka’s weaknesses. Mitchell Santner’s side were in Colombo for a week after completing the group stage in India. “I think that’s the challenge when you play a tournament in two countries. We played in Chennai and Ahmedabad on flat pitches and here we have to play a bit differently,” said Santner. The win against Pakistan halted their rhythm and both teams earned a single point from this rain-soaked match. Tim Seifert balanced proactive intent and calculated stroke play, while Rachin Ravindra’s half-century against Canada boosted their batting. With rain unlikely to intervene, this contest will depend on execution. For Sri Lanka, the equation is simple: adapt or leave.
