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London: There are signs that Sri Lanka are beginning to find the sort of form which makes them so dangerous in one-day cricket. South Africa and India may have started as pre-tournament favourites, but Sri Lanka's 19-run win over Pakistan contained plenty in it to suggest they're about to hit their straps.
Tillakaratne Dilshan scorched 46 from 39 to give them another flying start, an innings which contained his absurdly audacious flip-flick over the wicketkeeper's head.
The last time they met Pakistan, they were airlifted by helicopter gunship. That they overcame the emotion spoke volumes of the character and belief that exists in this side, two factors which ought to help them cruise into the semi-finals.
The one major concern, however, is their middle order which sustained a horrid collapse of 5 for 40 in the last six overs. It didn't cost them against Pakistan, thanks to Lasith Malinga's deadly death-bowling, but it is one area that needs improvement if they are to beat firstly Ireland, then New Zealand.
Ireland, on the other hand, might have already peaked. They had long targeted the game against Bangladesh as their most likely chance for an upset; so comprehensive was their victory that it's almost unfair to describe it as such. Yet they were given a rude awakening a couple of days later when New Zealand, injuries and all, knocked them flat by 83 runs. The allround ability of Kevin O'Brien has impressed and surprised many, while Trent Johnston and Kevin's brother, Niall, remain class acts who could yet make it difficult for Sri Lanka. But the lack of experience playing against such a seasoned and powerful team, gradually moving into top gear, ought to be a test too far for Ireland.
The two tweaking M's: Muralitharan and Mendis. Mendis exposed Australia's frailties against spin. Murali has yet to really fire, but both he and Mendis should prove a handful against Ireland, whose inexperience against such unorthodoxy should dumbfound them.
Kevin O'Brien suffered against New Zealand with bat and ball, but he did take a fine, low catch at deep square-leg to dismiss Scott Styris. He has spent much of his career in the shadow of his brother, Niall, but is a savage hitter at No.5 and his tidy seam - as long as he pitches it up - is much underrated.
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Sunday June 14, 2009
Start time 13.30 local, 12.30GMT
