It’s the first match of ICC World Twenty20 2010 between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The World Twenty20 starts with two teams that look good on paper but have not really touched their belts in. Sri Lanka has the potential to be one of the Twenty20 world’s most dangerous side, but lost five of last six games . New Zealand win more matches, but losing more than winning. Daniel Vettori men have the advantage of recent form, having succeeded in both of their warm-up games, while Sri Lanka has lost in South Africa.
Whatever happens, do not be surprised if the results are weak in Providence, where the slow surface is difficult to score when you play. Add to challenge for the best drummer, both teams have quality spinners like conditions. Nathan McCullum opened in New Zealand warm-up and will be a valuable ally for carriers, while Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan does not need any introduction. Even if it is a welcome change of drummers in hard work, frustration at the lack of speed and potential dominance of spin is less chance of a battle against Dilscoop McScoop.
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Possible Squad -
Sri Lanka’s line-up is anyone’s guess; they haven’t played a Twenty20 international since December last year and have had only one practice game in the Caribbean. Mendis, Murali and Lasith Malinga did not take part in the warm-up and the uncapped Dinesh Chandimal was tested. One certainty is that Mahela Jayawardene will open for the first time in a Twenty20 international for his country, after the captain Kumar Sangakkara confirmed the move this week.
Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 2 Mahela Jayawardene, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (capt, wk), 4 Dinesh Chandimal, 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Sanath Jayasuriya, 7 Chamara Kapugedera, 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Ajantha Mendis, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Muttiah Muralitharan.
All the New Zealand players were given an opportunity during the two warm-ups but it’s hard to see Rob Nicol, Aaron Redmond or Ian Butler finding a place in the starting line-up. The return of Kyle Mills after a long-term injury could spell trouble for Tim Southee, despite Southee’s wonderful bowling in the one-over eliminator against Australia when New Zealand last played a Twenty20 international.
New Zealand (possible) 1 Brendon McCullum, 2 Jesse Ryder, 3 Martin Guptill, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Scott Styris, 6 Jacob Oram, 7 Gareth Hopkins (wk), 8 Daniel Vettori (capt), 9 Nathan McCullum, 10 Kyle Mills/Tim Southee, 11 Shane Bond.
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