Preview: T20 World Cup 2010 Semifinal 1

After that disappointing end to India's World Cup, we now move on to the semis. Two unbeaten in-form teams are taking on two teams that haven't looked their best, but have managed to win at the right times to progress.

England take on Sri Lanka today in what should be an enthralling clash. England's batting unit looks in top shape - power hitters at the top (Lumb, Kieswetter, Pieterson), followed by Collingwood and Morgan, two batsmen who can consolidate as well as turn it on later in the innings. Then come the hard-hitting all-rounders starting with Luke Wright and followed by Bresnan, Yardy and Swann. The pace attack of Broad and Sidebottom is also solid, while Yardy has been an exceptional second spinner, overshadowing Swann for once.

The problem for England will be the slowness of the pitch, something that will certainly favor the Lankans. Suraj Randiv has been great but he is no Murali, and Mendis may be brought in to assist him. Jayasuriya may be retained for his bowling though he could shift back down the order. He seems to be ending his career the same way it began, in the lower order, doing more bowling than batting. Let go, dude.

Sri Lanka may have started the tournament being kept afloat by Jayawardene, but gradually the top order has looked in form. Dilshan and Sangakarra are scoring again, and Mathews and Kapugedera have been handy finishers. Malinga and Welegedara are leaking runs though, that will worry them, and the latter may lose his place if Perera is to play.

This looks like an evenly matched game, but I'm going to go with England on this, if only to see a team that isn't afraid of the pace play Australia in the final.

0 comments: