Their semifinal chances hanging by the thread, defending champions England are faced with a must-win situation as they take on unbeaten hosts Sri Lanka in a crucial Super Eight match of the ICC World Twenty20 in Pallekele on Monday.
England, after a win and a loss, have to clinch it against Sri lanka to have any chance of making the last-four stage.
England beat New Zealand in their previous match, but Sri Lanka will offer a much tougher challenge, something skipper Stuart Broad acknowledged. "It will be an electric atmosphere for us on Monday and it will be important for us to keep our composure," said Broad after the win on Saturday.
"It will be loud, it will be hectic and there will be a lot of fans shouting for Sri Lanka but that will be exciting for us."
Even though the batting clicked against New Zealand, the English still seem to be missing that one aggressor who can rescue them in tight situations. The bowlers have finally got a grip of the conditions even though spinner Graeme Swann hasn't quite delivered for the team.
{{/usCountry}}Even though the batting clicked against New Zealand, the English still seem to be missing that one aggressor who can rescue them in tight situations. The bowlers have finally got a grip of the conditions even though spinner Graeme Swann hasn't quite delivered for the team.
{{/usCountry}}Tough task for Kiwis
New Zealand, on the other hand, are aware that one more defeat will ensure their exit, and nothing less than a big win against the West Indies will do. Two defeats in a row mean that there is no scope for error. However, a mere win will not be enough — the Kiwis will have to win by a big margin and hope that England lose their last match.
West Indies have one win and one more victory would keep them in the semifinal hunt. If they win and England lose, they will qualify for the semis along with the hosts.