The Windies have started well in this crucial encounter that they must win at all costs. Having won the toss, they have put SL to bat with Powell, Taylor and Bradshaw in the bowling attack. Sri Lanka, who also are coming from a narrow defeat against South Africa, are 2 wickets down already, including the dangerous Sangakkara caught at the wicket off Bradshaw.

IMO this is a vital game for both teams. If the windies lose then they are out and if Sri Lanka lose then it makes their life a bit less comfortable, especially as they stil have to play Aus and NZ.

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Mark.

Lara should open for the West Indies. Its time to take risks.

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"Checkout the big brain on Brett" Pulp Fiction

Lara should not be opening.

The days of him opening in ODIs are over a long time ago.

He is a middle order batsman.

The issue is the OTHER batsmen not scoring the runs they should.

If they don't it is irrelevant where he bats.

Lara and Chanderpaul to open and build a platfrom.

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"Checkout the big brain on Brett" Pulp Fiction

Sri Lanka looking at a plus 300 score here

Lucky we beat Sri Lanka.

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"Checkout the big brain on Brett" Pulp Fiction

Lara's best position is 3, but he bats at 5 as a team policy.

Lara and Chanderpaul opening please.

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"Checkout the big brain on Brett" Pulp Fiction

Sri Lanka have just posted 303 for 5 in their 50 overs. Who would have thought they would even get close when they were 37/2 after 10 Powerplay overs with Jayasuriya struggling with a strike rate of less than 50? In the end he made 115 off 101 balls, but SL were helped by some shockingly sloppy fielding by the despirited West Indies. I cannot see them gatting beyond the Super 8 stage.