The first of the two semi-finals between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will take place tomorrow at Jamaica.The two teams have already played each other with Sri Lanka getting the better of them.Sri Lanka would like to continue that whereas New Zealand would like to put that and the loss to Australia behind them.Chaminda Vaas & Muttiah Muralitharan would be key players.It would be interesting whether Malinga would get a place in the team again.

__________________
Karthik Venkatesan

I think Malinga will be not only in, but potentially a very important bowler on the pacey Sabina Park pitch. Whether he can bowl at full force so soon after his ankle injury is another matter. As a right arm fast bowler, his injured left ankle will be the leading limb and will act as a pivot to his whirling action. It remains to be seen how he copes.

If New Zealand win the toss, Fleming is likely to bowl first to give Bond the best chance of exploiting the conditions. But this will mean facing Murali later when the pitch may be a bit kinder to spinners.

It seems likely that Maharoof might get the nod over Fernando, but I am not sure that if this is such a good idea if the latter is fit and available. The SL team needs at least one really fast bowler for Sabina Park and if the Slinga is unable to fire on all cylinders then Fernando with his pace and bounce might be a better option than Maharoof.

I think this will be a very closely contested match, what with both teams having the final to play for, and Malinga fit... it should be worth every min!!!

I hope it is a good game not marred by any conterversial umpiring decisions.

__________________

The result of today's clash will depend upon how different the Sabina Park pitch is from St George's and the toss. Sri Lanka still have the edge, but IMO the two teams will start more on equal terms despite the Slinga's return - especially if New Zealand win the toss and send Sri Lanka to bat first. Bond might trouble the SL openers in the morning at Sabina Park.

Well,the latest news is that,Sri Lanka have won the toss and elected to bat first.

__________________
Karthik Venkatesan

I am slightly surprised by Sri Lanka's decision to bat first since Bond might find the conditions helpful and SL's best batsmen - Jayasuriya and Sangakkara - bat high up the order. But of course, the flipside is that Sri Lanka like to set a biggish target and Murali might prefer bowling later on when the pitch slows down. But I think this could be a closer match than the two teams' previous encounter. If SL cross the 250-run barrier, they should have a clear advantage.

Poor first over by Bond, straying twice to the leg side and getting struck for fours. I feel that he would do better by attacking the left handers - at least Tharanga - from round the wicket.

Jayasuriya beaten and bowled by Franklin, of all people! That is a BIG wicket for New Zealand.

Sri Lanka have slowed down a little after Sangakkara was caught off the bowling of Franklin.

W U Tharanga is not out on 47.

Latest.
Sri Lanka: 78-2 (18.0 overs)
New Zealand: Yet to bat
In Play

__________________
Ern

__________________
Ern