TEAMS HOPE TO RESUME BATTLE AFTER WASHOUT

After rain played spoil-sport on Thursday, the fourth ODI of the tri-series is now scheduled to be played on Friday which is the Reserve day for the game. Losing their second game having won their first comprehensively, both, hosts Sri Lanka and New Zealand lock horns to conquer the game and almost seal their place in the finals.

The Lankans started the tournament well by beating the Kiwis but were given a taste of their own medicine by the Indians in the second game. As compared to the Asia Cup held a couple of months ago at this venue, batting first is proving to be tricky for the captains as the ball swings a lot in the first half and the batsmen have a very difficult task to score runs. On the other hand, chasing over 220 too, would be difficult under lights. There is no problem with the Lankan batting or bowling as each department has excelled in the conditions suited to them. Dilshan’s consistent low scores is becoming a big cause of concern for the team though. Herath and Mendis were included in the side with Randiv not available and Sri Lanka should play the same side.

The Black Caps have a major trouble on their hand apart from the toss factor. Unlike the Lankans, their top order has not at all performed and all the burden has fallen on the shoulders of Taylor and Styris. Watling did a good job against the Lankans but apart from the latter duo, no other batsmen has been able to find his feet and should they be chasing, they might find themselves in a bit of a bother. The bowling did well in both games, especially against the Lankans, where they managed to make the hosts earn their win in spite of a small target. Oram made a return to the side after picking up an injury and his inclusion is very much vital to the teams cause.

With all the three teams having won a game each, the tri-series is wide open with each side having an equal chance of making it to the finals. The Kiwis are tied with India in terms of points earned with a win but the former have surged ahead due to a better net run-rate. All the three games have shown that batting is difficult at this venue, whether first or second. However, if the top order manages to negotiate the first hour, things might turn a bit easy, which might just make the captains opt to bat first. Once again there will be a threat from the Weather Gods but one can only stay positive about it.