BLACKCAPS seek Cup progress

The BLACKCAPS can strengthen their place at the top of the ICC World Cup Super Eight table with victory over Sri Lanka in Grenada overnight.

The New Zealanders should have done enough already to secure safe passage into the semi-finals.

But a win against Mahlea Jayawardene's side will preserve their unbeaten record in the tournament.

The teams know all about each other after ODI series in each of the last three summers, plus a Champions Trophy meeting in India last year.

Earlier this season, the nations shared a 2-2 draw of The National Bank ODI Series, having also split Test and Twenty20 honours.

But victory for the New Zealanders can assure their progress, with the competition reaching an exciting climax.

Captain Stephen Fleming said: "We're at the business end; we're close to the semis now.

"We only need to win one more game and then it's going to come down to two games of cricket to win the World Cup.

"That's an exciting prospect for everyone, but also a scary one.

"We've got three tough games now, in which we all have to remain in form and try to be smart in our assessment of the conditions."

Sri Lanka can move top of the Super Eight stage table if they dent the BLACKCAPS’ unbeaten record.

But they will have to accomplish that task without strike bowler Lasith Malinga.

Malinga, who took six wickets during the National Bank Series, tore ankle ligaments in training.

Farveez Maharoof or Nuwan Kulasekera will replace him.

The BLACKCAPS are waiting on the fitness of batsman Ross Taylor, out of the last four matches with a hamstring strain.

BLACKCAPS (from): Stephen Fleming (captain), Peter Fulton, Ross Taylor, Hamish Marshall, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Shane Bond, Jeetan Patel, Mark Gillespie

Sri Lanka (from): Mahela Jaywardene (capt), Upul Tharanga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando, Farveez Maharoof, Nuwan Kulasekara

BLACKCAPS v Sri Lanka, Friday 13 April (1.30am NZ time). Follow the match online at BLACKCAPS.co.nz, on Radio Sport and live on Sky Sports TV.

for World Cup statistics and schedule

 


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