Sri Lanka batters to be bolder in high-stakes clash with New Zealand

The T20 World Cup 2014 champions are prepared to take more risks to target the reward of a huge total on a batter-friendly surface at the SCG.

Sri Lanka put together a reasonable 157/6 that ultimately proved to be too low in their Super 12 opener against Australia in Perth, but expect to lift their aggressive intent on a more favourable pitch in Sydney to take the game to the in-form New Zealand and keep their semi-final hopes alive.

The SCG is the only venue to host scores of 200 or more so far at this T20 World Cup, with New Zealand (200/3) and South Africa (205/5) both hitting the mark.

“If it's a good batting wicket and a fast outfield, obviously the runs are there for the taking,” Sri Lanka assistant coach Naveed Nawaz said.

“We need to go with a different game plan on a pitch like this.

“Sydney is a very favourable venue for Sri Lanka. It has been throughout the years.”

Kusal Mendis has the most runs at this T20 World Cup with a total of 176, while Pathum Nissanka has 137 as the opening partners look in the right form to set up Sri Lanka with a fast start.

The First Round qualifiers now want their middle order including Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga to make more of an impact after they were all dismissed cheaply against Australia.

“If you look at all the games that we played, the top order has batted through, and there were very few overs at the end for the late order and the middle order,” Nawaz said.

“We need them to come out with their hands up at the right moment.

“Although they are short of overs, there are a very limited number of overs for them to go out there and show what they can do.”

Sri Lanka name replacement for pace bowler Binura Fernando

Sri Lanka are yet to make a call on how they will replace Binura Fernando after the left-arm quick injured a hamstring in the opening over against Australia.

Their pace attack is increasingly relying on Lahiru Kumara and Chamika Karunaratne, especially with Dilshan Madushanka (quad injury) and Dushmantha Chameera (calf injury) also sidelined.

With fewer fast bowling options to choose from, Sri Lanka will consider adding to their threatening group of spinners to confront the New Zealand top-order that stunned Australia in the Super 12 stage opener.

“We have to think about it (an extra spinner) and probably have a look at the wicket,” Nawaz said.

“(Injury) is something that we cannot control, and I think it's an opportunity for a new guy to come in and play.”