Sri Lanka brimming with confidence

Elmo Rodrigopulle in West Indies

Cricket: It's sudden death - the semi-finals between Sri Lanka and New Zealand and Australia and South Africa in the World Cup 2007 at Sabina Park, Jamaica and Beausejour Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Past victories in the group stage and the Super 8 will only be memories as the four teams will be giving their best shot to enter the final and carry away the beautiful ICC trophy and big prize money with it.

The Sri Lankan cricketers who arrived in Jamaica on Sunday, were looking cheerful and had determination writ on their faces. Sri Lanka played their final game in the Super 8 on Thursday and stayed back in Grenada, training and getting their act together.

The Lankans led cleverly by Mahela Jayawardena have done well to get thus far and have played some of the better cricket seen in this tournament.

The Lankans will not take any chances, but field their best possible team and go hard at the Kiwis firing all cylinders, in an endeavour to devour the opponents and rightfully take their place in the final.

All members of the team are fit and well and available for selection. The only cause for concern is the sudden dip in form by opener Upul Tharanga.

When asked whether he would consider making a change in this aspect Jayawardena said: 'Tharanga and Jayasuriya have been the best opening pair for us in the last 12 months.

'However when the selectors sit to pick the final eleven, we will discuss this'. I am certain that they will not want to tinker with the winning combination. Lasith Malinga who has raised several eye brows here with his peculiar action and his four wickets in four ball burst is set to return. Farveez Maharoof will have to sit it out on the bench.

The Kiwis were mauled by the Aussies. But that does not mean that the Lankans must take them easy. Complacency has been the downfall of many a team, and Lankans must guard against this.

Once again a heavy responsibility will be on the experienced Sanath Jayasuriya to play another punishing innings. If he gets going then batting first or chasing would be a formality.

Tharanga has the knack to come good on the big occasion and Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Chamara Silva, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold and Chaminda Vaas must make to their business to make runs.

Chaminda Vaas who bowls wicket to wicket and cuts the ball both ways would once again be menacing. Malinga and Dilhara Fernando must support him. Muttiah Muralitheran who is at his best will again be a threat. Sri Lanka's fielding will once again be tops.

The wicket looks to be a bouncy one which should be to the liking of the Lankans. The Kiwis have never won the World Cup. Now that they have got thus far, and smarting after their thrashing by their bitter enemies, Australia will not allow the Lankans to have it easy.

The Lankans are the favourites. But they must remember that a match is not won or lost till the final ball is bowled.

Shane Bond and Jacob Oram will return and strengthen the Kiwis.

The Lankan playing eleven in batting order should read: Upul Tharanga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Chamara Silva, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando and Muttiah Muralitheran, 12th man Marvan Atapattu.

Sabina Park, Jamaica, Monday