New Zealand hold slight edge; Sri Lanka in must win situation

Mumbai, Oct 19 (UNI) Sri Lanka will have to improve their performance to avoid elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy when they take on New Zealand in a Group 'B' match here at the Brabourne stadium here tomorrow.

The Kiwis who hold a slight edge will, however, have to overcome injuries to their key players to continue their unbeaten run in this tournament after beating South Africa in the first match on Monday.

The Lankans, who came through to the main round with an all-win record in the qualifying phase of the 10-team event, lost to Pakistan in the league opener at Jaipur on Tuesday, to find themselves in a must-win situation against the Kiwis.

New Zealand, on the other hand, started with a shock victory over the fancied South Africa here on Monday and a win against the Lankans would ensure them a berth in the semi finals ahead of their last league encounter against Pakistan at Mohali on October 25.

But the Kiwis have different problems with three of their players -- fast bowlers Shane Bond (stiff back), all rounder Scott Styris (hamstring twinge) and medium pacer Mark Gillespie (viral infection -- being on the indisposed list.

However, team sources have said Bond and Gillespie were expected to be available for selection.

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