Mendis in as New Zealand bat against Sri Lanka

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (AFP) –

Sri Lankan bowler Angelo Mathews (right) tries to stop a shot by New Zealand’s Rob Nicol during the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup Super Eight match in Pallekele on September 27. New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat in their opening Super Eights group one match.

New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat in their opening Super Eights group one match against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Sri Lanka were boosted by the news of their star spinner Ajantha Mendis declared fit after being a doubtful starter.

The 27-year old spinner recorded the best figures of 6-8 in all Twenty20 internationals against Zimbabwe in team’s opening game at Hambantota before missing the second against South Africa due to a side strain.

Sri Lanka also brought in off-spinner Akila Dananjaya who is making his international debut.

New Zealand were also boosted by the return of their opener Martin Guptill who missed the match against Pakistan due to hamstring problem. He replaced Adam Milne.

The top two teams from each of the two Super Eights groups will qualify for the semi-finals.

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Angelo Mathews, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ajantha Mendis, Akila Dananjaya

New Zealand: Ross Taylor (capt), Martin Guptill, Rob Nicol, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, James Franklin, Jacob Oram, Nathan McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Tim Southee

Umpires: Simon Taufel (AUS) and Aleem Dar (PAK)

Tv umpire: Steve Davis (AUS)

Match referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)