 The fourth game of the Micromax Cup tri-series will see Sri Lanka take
on New Zealand in a game that could decide on at least one finalist. Sri Lanka
and New Zealand have both had one win each from two games, and will look to add
to their wins by playing much better cricket from their last game - where Sri Lanka had beaten New Zealand, whereas India had routed Sri Lanka.
Click for Live Score Card of Sri Lanka Vs New ZealandThe ironical part of the series is that at end of the first leg of the tournament,
New Zealand is at the top of the league standings with five points, thanks to
the bonus point they got over the Indians. India also has five points but they
are at second because of their defeat to New Zealand whereas Sri Lanka with
no bonus point and with one win are at four points and hence at the third position.
This essentially means that if all three teams win one game each, without a
bonus point, then, Sri Lanka will be knocked out of the competition.
This is why, this game becomes absolutely crucial for both the sides. New Zealand will want to win the game in order to try and knock Sri Lanka out
of the competition. Secondly, even if New Zealand win this game, without a bonus
point, they will go up to nine points, which will mean that unless both, Sri
Lanka and India win their last games with bonus points, and then, get the better
of New Zealand in the net run-rate, the side will be through to the finals of
the tournament.
However, to win this game, New Zealand will need to bat much better than they
have in the two games so far. Their batting has revolved around Ross Taylor
only, and his early dismissal will cause havoc. Given that both the sides have
wanted to bat first after winning the toss, it will do good for New Zealand
to start off their innings much better than losing a wicket off the first two
or three overs. Martin Guptill, Peter Ingram and BJ Watling have all
been tried, and apart from the slow and sedate half century by the latter, the
others have been failures.
For Sri Lanka, the bowling has been decent, but it is time that they bat well
too. In both the games, there were obvious collapses and that is something they
will like to overcome.
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