Automatic World Cup qualification in Sri Lanka’s mind ahead of today’s game

Rex Clementine
in Brisbane

After weeks of rain and washouts, finally the World Cup has returned to Queensland where hot and sunny weather is greeting the teams. The Sri Lankans of course are feeling at home and trained yesterday at Ian Healy Oval, an half hour drive from Brisbane.

Sri Lankans of course remember Healy very well. He was an outstanding wicketkeeper and was stand-in captain when Mark Taylor was unwell but never got the job permanently as the Aussies have the habit of not giving the job to their keepers on a full time basis. Healy was sandwiched between two other fine keepers – Rod Marsh and Adam Gilchrist, who never got the job full time, although they were brilliant leaders. Tim Paine of course was an exception? Or was he? Well, after the sandpaper gate, the Aussies were left with Hobson’s choice and Paine became captain by default.

Healy was also known for his sharp sledging. Once at SCG when Arju called for a runner, Healy was furious as he saw the team’s fastest man Sanath Jayasuriya coming in to run for the skipper. And he told Arju, ‘You don’t get a runner for being a fat, unfit c***.’

Induwara Ranatunga, Arju’s nephew lives in Brisbane and he plays for Northern Suburbs District Club, the same club as Healy. His son and Arju’s nephew are team mates. Yes, it’s a small world after all.

Talking about today’s World Cup fixture between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, although Brisbane has been hot and sunny, there’s rain predicted for today. The good news is it is supposed to clear by the afternoon. Sri Lanka play the first game of the day while later in the day New Zealand and England will be involved in a game. It’s a crunch match for England.

Sri Lanka’s hopes of qualifying for the semis are almost over. Although technically they do have a chance, those are very remote.

However, the Afghanistan fixture is crucial for Sri Lanka as a win here will help them to move from bottom of Group 1 to number four. Irrespective of the result of their last game in the group against England, they should be able to hold onto that slot and the top four teams from each group qualify for next World Cup in USA and West Indies.

Fortunately for Sri Lanka, there are no injury concerns. They should play the same team like the last game.

While the fast bowlers have come good and the top order has fired, Dasun Shanaka’s side will be worried that their captain and Bhanuka Rajapaksa have not come up with big contraptions.

Afghanistan humbled Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup first round game in August in UAE. After that defeat Sri Lanka bounced back in style. Not only did they beat the Afghans in the second round, they went onto defeat India and Pakistan as well on their way to a sixth Asia Cup title.