Published>Fri, Aug 13 10 08:48 AM
Not many critics gave New Zealand much of a chance when they arrived on these shores without their key players: skipper-inspiration Daniel Vettori and prolific keeper-batsman Brendon McCullum.
Although their massive 200 run victory over India may have helped in changing a few opinions, not everyone is a convert yet, mainly due to the lack of consistency shown by the Black Caps over the years.
New Zealand have experienced familiar highs before, only to go into a tailspin or hit a low. A case in point was their failure to not even make it to the last four at the World T20 in the West Indies, after reaching the final of the Champions Trophy in South Africa last year.
After inflicting a ruthless defeat over the Indians in Rangiri, Scott Styris ? who scored an invaluable 89 ? spoke about how the team didn't get enough respect since the likes of McCullum and Vettori were not touring with this Kiwi squad. But not many know about the preparations the young side has undergone for the series.
The harsh winter at home forced the New Zealanders to train at Darwin (in Australia), where it was hotter and more humid, to get acclimatised to the conditions in Dambulla. They played tour games against a Sri Lankan Board President's XI and a Sri Lanka A side, winning both of them.
The win also enabled New Zealand to go one point ahead of India to No. 2, their best ranking since January 2005. The fighting spirit and the ruthlessness was visible when Taylor and Styris added a record 190-run partnership after the side was reduced to 28 for three. The pacemen then used the spongy bounce the wicket provided to skittle out India for just 88.
Styris, Nathan McCullum and skipper Taylor all speak in one voice while reflecting on the desire to be the best side in the world. But for that to happen, consistency will remain the key.
Incidentally, Sri Lanka can take the No. 2 position if they win all their group matches, while New Zealand need to win against Sri Lanka to retain the spot. In that context, Friday's game will provide New Zealand with the opportunity to prove that their form doesn't always oscillate between brilliant and ordinary.
Sri Lanka, like India, will have a few weary players in their ranks after the three-Test series. Lasith Malinga, the unorthodox fast bowler, will be one of them. He didn't bowl as much as he would have liked on the final day of the third Test. All-rounder Jacob Oram is suffering from a stiff hamstring and the New Zealanders are hoping he is fit on match day.
If Malinga and Ajantha Mendis play, it will be a different challenge. "They are unique bowlers in their own right. We'll watch them hard, you have to respect them. A few of us have never faced them so it will be a big challenge," Taylor said.
The New Zealand medium-pacers may not get as much help from the wicket with a layer of grass shaved off. Taylor said the side was not getting carried away with their big win. "Take away the 200-run margin. We were just happy with the victory. We had trained hard leading into the tri-series. It was nice when you put the hard work in and get the results. We don't want to get too carried away."
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