A epic battle lies ahead as Sri Lanka and SA will face each other for the first time in a T20 match.
It’s going to be a nail biting event and there can be no clear winner predicted ahead of today’s clash, although the home team must carry some advantage. Both have had easy games thus far and today will be a true test of their abilities.

It’s raining here in Tangalle and in nearby Hambantota, only about 20kms from the stadium, but the locals assure me that it never rains at the Mahinda Rajapakse Stadium…. “No problem”, they say smiling broadly. “Sri Lanka will have good weather to beat your team!” Uh oh….. Mendis is itching to repeat his performance against Zim. Surely not possible? Also there are a few Sri Lankans eyeing some other targets. Mahela Jayawardena needs six runs, Tillakaratne Dilshan needs 44 runs and Kumar Sangakkara needs 46 runs to reach 1000 in T20I cricket.

On the SA side Levi will be keen to prove his mettle against a stronger team than Zim. Super cool Amla and Kallis, always carrying the pressure to set up a good start for the team, may be anxious to face up against the Mendis. But then we do have a good batting line up and hopefully we can see Albie smash a couple of sixes at some stage. The thing is, do we have the spin that may be required on the day or will the pace be enough? I think possibly the Sri Lankans are a better balanced team.

I’m going to the stadium wearing a SA T shirt and SRi Lankan cap. May the best team win! Watch this space for more updates as we go.

Let’s spare a thought for the brave Afghanistan team who have been knocked out, but can hold their heads up high and be proud of their accomplishments. They bowled well, batted with intent and despite their fielding letting them down, did really well against India. Their loss against England I don’t believe is a true reflection of what they are capable of. Watch this team in years to come. I hope we see them in SA sometime soon!

ALSO on today: AUS vs W.INDIES and women’s warm up match, SA vs ENG.

Useless Trivia for the day: – No England Batsman has ever made a century in a T20.
– Brendan McCullum now has highest score in Twenty20 internationals with 123 off 58 balls with second place Richard Levi with 117 not out.