Lanka eye big win, Afghanistan aim for improvement

Dunedin: Outplayed in their opening match, former champions Sri Lanka would look to put their campaign back on track but debutantes Afghanistan would aim to surprise them in their second pool A match of the cricket World Cup here today.
Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, lost by 98 runs to co-hosts New Zealand in their opening match, an unexpected result for one of the strong contenders among the Asian nations.
Afghanistan were also beaten in their lung-opener, against Bangladesh, which was not much of a surprise for the World Cup greenhorns even though they did show some spirit in at least their bowling.
A loss today for either side would severely dent their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds. Perhaps aware of the enormity of the situation, Sri Lanka have decided against resting any big name despite playing a perceived minnow.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, would be eyeing improvement. They were impressive with the ball against Bangladesh but collapsed meekly while batting. (PTI)