T20 world cup: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand live cricket score

After the dull appetizer in the group stage, the real ICC T20 world cup 2012 is set to begun on Thursday when the host Sri Lanka will play New Zealand in the first Super Eight match here at Pallekele International stadium.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: Live cricket score.

Click here for Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Live Streaming.

However, the real concern for Sri Lankans is fitness of their star spinner Ajantha Mendis. Mendis, who took six wickets against Zimbabwe in the opening match of T20 World Cup, is suffering from side strain. 

The mystery spinner’s participation in the first Super Eight game against New Zealand is still doubtful. Though, the final call on Mendis will be taken just before the game.

Apart from injury to Mendis, Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene has been aiming to return on winning ways after losing ran-curtailed match against South Africa by 32 runs.

The first super eight game of ICC T20 World Cup 2012 is going to be high-voltage encounter as both the sides are looking evenly balanced.

Dark horses, New Zealand, have done reasonably well in the tournament so far. They were placed in the tough Group D along with Pakistan and Bangladesh but managed to register huge win against Bangladesh while lost the close game against Pakistan by 13 runs.

Batting Strength:

Sri Lanka will once again rely on their experienced trio—Kumara Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Tilakratne Dilshan to shoulder the responsibility of batting department. However, Dilshan Manuweera has shown ability to bat up in the order but failed to consolidate his innings in last two occasions.

For New Zealand, the entire batting revolves around the in-form batsman Brendon McCullum. He can change course of any game on his own. Apart from McCullum, Ross taylor , Martin Guptill and James Franklin will be the players to watch out for.

Bowling strength:

Sri Lankan bowling attack will receive severe jolt if Mendis fails to make into the playing XI due to side strain. However, the Islanders have good bowling attack spearheaded by Lasith Malinga. Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera are also very economical in death overs.

For New Zealand, Kyle Mills, Tim Southee and Jacob Oram will share the responsibility of pace department while Daniel Vettori and Nathyan McCullum will lead the spin department.

Weather Report:

The met department has predicted thunderstorm by the evening. It means rain threat looms over the match.
 

Teams (From)

New Zealand: LRPL Taylor, DAJ Bracewell, JEC Franklin, MJ Guptill, RM Hira, BB McCullum, NL McCullum, KD Mills, AF Milne, RJ Nicol, JDP Oram, TG Southee, DL Vettori, BJ Watling, KS Williamson

Sri Lanka: DPMD Jayawardene, AD Mathews, LD Chandimal, TM Dilshan, RMS Eranga, HMRKB Herath, KMDN Kulasekara, SL Malinga, BAW Mendis, BMAJ Mendis, EMDY Munaweera, MKPAD Perera, NLTC Perera, KC Sangakkara, HDRL Thirimanne