ICC World T20: Sri Lanka seek revenge against West Indies in first semifinal today
Mirpur: Mirpur hosts the first semifinal of ICC World T20 between Sri Lanka and West Indies today.
These two sides have been involved in five games in the shortest format of cricket with Sri Lanka enjoying a healthy win-loss ratio of 4-1 over West Indies. West Indies, though have won perhaps the most important game between the two sides have played, the ICC World T20 final of 2012.
While West Indies drew a sadistic pleasure by reminding Sri Lanka about it, the Lankans would like to seek their revenge as these two sides come face to face in the first semi-final of the current edition of the World T20.
For both the sides, the win in their respective last game of the Super 10 sealed their place in the semi-final. While West Indies beat Pakistan, Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand in their final game of the Super 10.
The defending champions West Indies were beaten by India but they made sure to win against Australia, Bangladesh and Pakistan to reach the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand failed to defend a big total against England. But held their nerves defending a small total of 119 against New Zealand and sneak a win against South Africa in a closely fought match. They routed Netherlands to seal their only comfortable victory of Super 10.
For Sri Lanka, Mahela Jayawardene’s batting form has been a big boost. With 134 runs in 4 games, he is currently Sri Lanka’s highest run-getter in ICC World T20. For Sri Lanka, the performance of their bowlers holds a key.
While there is no standout bowler as such, every bowler has put his hand up and played a key role in Sri Lanka’s entry in the top 4. Kulasekara is the top wicket-taker for Sri Lanka so far with 6 wickets in 4 games. Senanyake and Mathews have picked up 4 wickets each in as many games. Herath who played only one game scalped 5 wickets against his name. Sri Lanka's pace spearhead Malinga took 3 wickets in 4 games.
For West Indies, Chris Gayle is their top-scorer with 140 runs in 4 games. But Darren Sammy’s contribution with the bat in the lower middle order has guided West Indies in 2 of their 3 victories in ICC World T20. Samuel Badree with 10 wickets is by the best bowler for West Indies in this tournament. Narine and Santokie have picked up 6 wickets each.
The stakes are high as defending champions face 2-time runner-up Sri Lanka in the first semi-final of ICC World T20 2014.
