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Sri Lanka desperate to improve against New Zealand

JOHANNESBURG - Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara is looking forward to an improved performance from his team in a crucial Champions Trophy match against New Zealand here on Sunday.

Sri Lanka’s batting display against England on a lively track here on Friday left a lot to be desired as they could make just 212 before losing by six wickets.

‘No defeat is good. We like to win every game. We’ve got to do a lot better and we can do a lot better. Everyone knows that. We have one day to review things and get back,’ Sangakkara said after his team’s defeat.

Sri Lanka will strengthen their chances of making it to the semi-finals with a victory on Sunday, having already beaten South Africa by 55 runs in their opening match.

South Africa and Sri Lanka both have one win apiece after two matches in the four-team group, while England won their opening game. New Zealand have lost their first match. The top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals.

‘Every game is important in the Champions Trophy. We need to improve our fielding. If we beat New Zealand we are in the semi-finals, almost there,’ said the Sri Lankan captain.

‘The key is to get the processes right and make sure that we cover all the areas. Everyone has got skills, but it’s a matter of what you do with it on the match day.’

Sangakkara said his team needed to adjust quickly to the conditions here.

‘If there’s a bit of movement for the bowlers, I am sure captains will bowl first. But once you see the wicket, you need to adjust quickly,’ said the Sri Lankan skipper.

Sri Lanka found England’s pace too hot to handle on Friday as they lost four wickets for a meagre 17 runs before Thilina Kandamby and Angelo Mathew steadied the innings with half-centuries.

‘It’s always tough when you are 17 for four. But you’ve got to make sure that you adjust quickly. We need to fight back in the next game (against New Zealand),’ said Sangakkara.