New Zealand v Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge - Preview

Trent Bridge: The winner goes into the semi-finals and the loser heads home. A second-round exit would be slightly unfair on the undefeated Sri Lanka, but they can avoid the trapdoor with another committed performance when they face New Zealand, who have a much healthier net run-rate despite a win and a loss in the Super Eights.

Sri Lanka's first-up success against Australia was followed by wins over West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland, showing their all-round capabilities in a range of situations. Their closest call came against Ireland on Sunday, when Mahela Jayawardene's 78 dragged them to 144 and their bowlers held on for a nine-run triumph. It still didn't guarantee them a spot in the final four.

While Kumar Sangakkara's men are blot free in England, New Zealand were bewildered after being dismissed for 99 by Pakistan, chiefly because of the head-scratching reverse-swing provided by Umar Gul. Lasith Malinga can manage similar shape at times, but Daniel Vettori's line-up will have the most concern over Sri Lanka's spinners. If they conquer the slow men, a place in the semis should be theirs.

Tillakaratne Dilshan sits second on the competition's run list with 173 in four games, having achieved the tally averaging almost a run and a half per ball. His starts have given Sri Lanka essential surges and are one of the major reasons behind their unbeaten run.

It's been a low-key tournament so far for Jacob Oram and now is the time for New Zealand's most versatile player to stand up to his full height. In four matches he has 52 runs in the middle order - a blast of 15 from seven balls was the most powerful - and no wickets. His team needs him to fire at the next opportunity.

Team news
New Zealand: Two of New Zealand's most important players, Daniel Vettori and Ross Taylor, are carrying injuries that could derail the campaign. Vettori has played through the pain of a shoulder problem recently while Taylor is carrying a hamstring complaint and has missed the past two games. Brendon McCullum is the latest to join the injured list, but is most likely to be available for the crunch tie.
Sri Lanka: The way things are going for Sri Lanka, they have no reason to change anything. Expect the same side that beat Ireland unless there are any slips at training.

Stats and trivia

• Three of Sri Lanka's batsmen - Dilshan, Jayawardene and Sanath Jayasuriya - are in the top 15 on the run list. West Indies also have three representatives but South Africa lead with four
• Brendon McCullum is New Zealand's best, sitting in 17th with 97 runs in four games
• Lasith Malinga shares the spot at the top of the wicket list with 10 breakthroughs, the same number as Umar Gul
• In three games between the sides, Sri Lanka have two wins and New Zealand one

Match Facts
Tuesday, June 16
Start time 13.30 local (12.30 GMT)